Four Types of African Fabrics to Know
There are many kinds of African fabrics, and they generally fall into one of the following categories:
1. HANDWOVEN FABRICS
these fabrics are made using raw threads and a loom that is powered by hands and feet
finished product is a heavy-weight, durable, and breathable cloth
examples include kente cloth (not kente prints) and smock fabric
2. ADINKRA FABRICS
these fabrics are identifiable by their meaningful symbols, which originate from Ghana
Adinkra symbols can be woven into fabric, stamped onto fabric, or printed onto fabric using a machine
these symbols are also prevalent in jewelry, woodworks and other arts and crafts
3. BATIK FABRICS
batik is a traditional method of making fabric by hand that is practiced in many parts of the world
it involves: (1) drawing on fabric or creating a stamp to make repeated designs; (2) the use of hot wax; and (3) mixing and dyeing fabrics by hand (usually several times to achieve multiple colors)
these fabrics are usually made with 100% soft, cotton fabric
4. AFRICAN PRINT (ANKARA) FABRICS
machine-made fabrics that use either an industrialized version of batik or digital printing
usually results in very uniform and intricate designs, created in large quantities
typically made with a more crisp, cotton fabric
Want to learn more? Watch our presentation below, where we discuss these fabrics in detail with the South Brunswick Public Library:
The library is dedicated to educating its community about various cultures through literature and art. The library’s Spring 2022 Book Box included books from Ghanaian authors and a bookmark made with our Attention Print. We’re grateful for the library’s support and commitment to culture, creativity, and craftsmanship!
