Anlo Weave Silk Kente Cloth

A vast continent, rich in history, culture and natural resources, Africa remained largely unexplored for several centuries; the whole area south of the Sahara remained a mystery until the 1800’s.

Today, Africa is a continent in transition. After being dominated by foreigners for the past several sad centuries Africa has in the recent past made huge strides towards creating a better destiny for its people.

Improving Lives with Art

Beautiful Kente Asase Special African Handbag (these support real African communities)

Various African countries are trying to provide their population with opportunities to earn a living. Some of the most amazing leaps have been as a result of the Internet. African art, textiles and other products are readily available on the Internet. The interest and response to African wares has been tremendous. With the immense surge in collectability of African art and new markets for African textiles, some African areas are beginning to see improvement in their lives.

The Origin & Evolution of African Textiles

African textiles have a fascinating history. Originally animal hair was used to weave textiles for warmth and protection. Later it was animal hair along with fiber from plants and trees that was woven into clothing, bedding, and wall or window hangings. Much later, when textiles had become quite refined, they were used as trading currency. Ancient weaving ways and designs are still in use today and are important parts of African life. Handmade looms are handed down through families from generation to generation.

Traditionally African textiles were worn tied or draped depending on the occasion. Now, with the huge interest in African textiles from the rest of the world, handmade fabric and textiles are being cut and made into clothing and home furnishings such as pillows or wall hangings. Most textile experts recommend that if you are ever fortunate enough to possess a rare or fragile authentic African textile you should have it professionally mounted and protected as a wall hanging (or auctioned off – they can fetch quite tantalizing prices).

The Significance of Color in African Textiles

BRIGHT Tamale Weave Silk Kente Cloth

Colors have different significance to different cultures and even different villages within a culture. The color red is a great sample of a cultural variation. In some areas of Nigeria, red is a badge of accomplishment where in other areas it is a color worn by the chieftain to protect him from evil. Red is the color of burial clothes in Madagascar and is used in mourning robes by the Akan tribe in Ghana. One color… so many interpretations.

Weaving Techniques in African Textiles

Within Africa the methods of weaving and materials vary widely. Strip weaving is widely used in West Africa. Strips about 4” wide are woven in various lengths and then joined together for an almost quilt like appearance. Adinkra cloth is still made in Ghana today. It is a textile made with wide panels of dyed cotton. These panels are beautifully hand embroidered and then stamped with carved calabash symbols.

Stunningly Beautiful Kente Bamboo African Handbag

Batik is an African textile that is made by using melted wax. First, a design is drawn on the textile. Then layers of color are applied atop each other. Wax is poured onto areas of the design after each dye procedure to retain certain colors. When complete the wax is boiled off to leave a beautiful array of color. The Senufo people of Ivory Coast make a textile called Korhogo. This textile is made in 5” strips and painted with mud to create images of animals, men and ceremonies. Textiles are augmented by stenciling, dyeing, painting, embroidery and hand-stamping. Soil is often the basis of the paint with dyes made of natural plants such as herbs, bark and leaves.

In addition to improving the lives of many Africans, making African textiles available to the world exposes us to the stunning beauty of indigenous African textiles!

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