Naa Oyoo Quartey. I am glad to find this article, because I was just now looking for information about patterns in African fabric designs: their history, symbolism, etc. The delicately carved figure on the pulley peers down at the weaver as he works and becomes his constant visual companion. These include parallel lines, curves, spirals, and cruciform shapes all are found. African wax prints actually came from the Netherlands. The patterns created by the brightly colored threads often represent common motifs, religious beliefs and political commentary. Many patterns are sold widely in Africa, and different countries and cultures adopt different meanings and associations. African textiles have large asymmetric designs that ensure the pattern can be recognized from a distance and in the glare of sunlight; as well as sharply contrasting colors which enhance the visibility of both the cloth and the symbolic patterns. The traditional costumes of Ghana are not just beautiful. There was an awesome exhibit on fabrics of Congo in New York, but they did not talk about the meaning imbued in the designs. But as an introduction to African textile patterns and techniques, let's look more closely at four of the best-known examples: adinkra cloth, kente cloth, bogolanfini, and adire cloth. Oct 4, 2020 - Explore Diane Harvey's board "African Patterns", followed by 1281 people on Pinterest. These are different from Adinkra symbols and Kente Cloth colors which also carry their own symbolism. Bright African patterns with deep meaning form great authentic garments f Share. Certain patterns distinguish the two genders, with prominent bouffant hairstyles indicating women. ... birds etc in the array of patterns on our African print. Also, the meanings of patterns may differ by … The patterns found on Dutch wax prints. Mud cloth was originally a show of status, and many African American woman still wear mud cloth prints with pride. A distinctive feature of traditional African dress is its use of festive colours, intricate patterns and figurative symbols to communicate meaning. Some patterns found on clothes have meanings too. In the second half of the 19th century, fuelled by the industrial revolution and colonial expansion, new markets opened in … Feb 22, 2014 - Explore Claudine Brown's board "African Symbols", followed by 179 people on Pinterest. These are also clothes with deep meaning: often, fabrics have hidden messages. But is there more to know about African fabrics and why it is significant? B old pattern, either painted or carved, is a powerful and expressive element in African mask design.. The culture of this country and its ancient heritage influence the folk clothing much. These garments are much more than mere adornment. The colors are of particular significance as they interpret the meaning of the pattern, with red symbolizing death, green meaning fertility, white expressing purity and … There are over 350 patterns for Kente Cloths. Kente is and has always been, without doubt, an extraordinary cloth. Symbolic meaning: Authority, Valor, Gallantry, Courage ... As symbols play such an important role in the African conception of reality, a sound understanding of African patterns of thought and feeling requires an appreciation of the nature and function of symbolism as a medium of communication in African … Tweet. The mud was fermented too, this was worn by hunters and it was seen as a protection ritual. The beauty of this traditional African craft lies in the kente cloth meaning. Many African masks are highly stylized with geometric patterns on their surfaces. Even now, African people are cautious about what they wear. Geometric and symmetrical patterns often play a prominent role in the design of African masks. Traditionally, African cloths were worn for special occasions such as family reunions, weddings, and events. The dense repetitive geometric patterns typical of North African ceramics is infused with new significance in the installation Four Generations of Women by French-born Algerian artist Zineb Sedira (born 1963). A piece of kente cloth is not just random colors and patterns and thrown together because they look pretty. Below are some popular patterns, the meaning of these Kente Cloth Motifs & Patterns, and what they represent A mask with human features may have added to it forward-curving antelope horns and a great bird's beak because it represents a spirit that does not take human or animal form. This print is a perfect example. These are struck motional patterns that make up a rhythmic ostinato with an asymmetrical inner structure (such as 5 + 7 or 7 + 9), against which the melodic and rhythmic phrasing of other performers is juxtaposed. African fabrics have bright colours, idiosyncratic designs and patterns that are hand-made which give us a sense of a rich cultural meaning. Each color and each pattern in the kente cloth has a special meaning. Patterns and varieties in mudcloth are endless. Geometric patterns are sometimes used to distinguish male from female masks. This site has the biggest selection anywhere of wholesale African clothing, African Black soaps, African artwork, African Musical instruments, and black skincare products. African music - African music - Time-line patterns: In certain areas there is yet another principle of timing, known as time-line patterns. Africa Imports is the largest wholesale supplier of Afrocentric and ethnic products in the US. The kente cloth meaning…. It was a dedication to the Kings wives who stayed at the great enclosure It represented fertility in women. Apr 15 The Names & Meaning of The WaxPrint Designs on Our African Print Fabrics. Bright African patterns with deep meaning form great authentic garments. The decorative features of West African heddle pulleys -- devices that hold the heddles in looms -- are created solely for aesthetic satisfaction, and have no ritual or magical purpose. The culture of this country and its ancient heritage influence the folk clothing much. Each has an individual meaning, a second meaning in association with other patterns, and a meaning that varies with the level of knowledge of the initiate. For instance the mud cloth from the Bamana culture in Mali. They had the mud cloth that was a mixture of weaving cloth and dyeing it with mud. Patterns. Although kente cloth is now identified with the Akan people in West Africa, and particularly the Asante Kingdom, the term originates with the neighboring Fante people. African Patterns. See more ideas about african, african print, african fashion. It's well-known for its bold, super-bright colours and oversized geometric and abstract flower patterns and now a well-known West African fabric. Each color and pattern holds deep meaning. African art describes the modern and historical paintings, sculptures, installations, and other visual culture from native or indigenous Africans and the African continent.The definition may also include the art of the African diasporas, such as African American, Caribbean or art in South American societies inspired by African traditions. The traditional costumes of Ghana are not just beautiful. I was curious to find out what each meant, after all its what we wear and there has to be more to the story of the designs on our African … That’s why the designs, fabrics, and patterns aren’t random. Lifestyle, Fashion. Interesting Facts About African Masks. That’s why the designs, fabrics, and patterns aren’t random. African masks are pieces of art but are made to be used. Different geometric patterns are sometimes used to distinguish between male and female masks. Dutch wax is a kind of resin-printed fabric that has long been manufactured in the Netherlands for a West African market. It was also known as the Bogolanfini. You’ll find these sophisticated patterns (usually in black and white) on Afrocentric dresses, tops, pant suits and more. The images and print outs on most of the African clothing worn in most parts of Africa including Zimbabwe carries a plethora of meaning. Kente is a brightly colored, banded material and is the most widely known cloth produced in Africa. 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