African Pattern Fabrics

Patterns on fabrics have always been a very dominant part of African life as they act as a conduit to communicate essentials of life events. Colours and patterns go beyond fashion as they identify tribes, tradesmanship, political affinities as well as a passage in life such as initiation, marriage, childbirth or bereavement. The African textile industry dates back to 5000BC making various types of beddings, clothing and footwear. Although cotton began to gain popularity in the modern era mixed, the traditional use of bark with a variety of natural dyes dominated in some of the continent's regions.