Images of Commemorative Fabrics from Africa
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Commemorative Fabrics from Africa is a collection of machine-made commemorative textiles from various African countries. This collection provides researchers access to digitized fabrics that are printed with images and text documenting events and individuals of historical, political, religious, economic, educational, and sociological significance to African societies. Throughout the continent, fabric serves multiple functions in people's daily lives. It is used for clothing, shelter, storage, and packing material. The type of African fabric found in this collection also serves as a communication device. When used as a textual and visual document, the fabric becomes a vehicle to commemorate an event or to celebrate a person's life or achievement. One does not need to know how to read in order to understand the messages found in these textiles. In societies where a large portion of the population cannot read, the visual elements enable everyone to share in the reception and transmission of the message that is being conveyed. In this way, the fabric also serves to preserve historical narratives that are important to the community. The pieces in this collection were graciously donated by UW faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other individuals outside the UW.
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- 14
English
This fabric commemorates Mother's Day, and has a floral background in shades of pastel yellow. The main image is that of a mother and her infant, framed in blue. The …
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Cloth promoting AIDS awareness in Cameroon. At the center of this pattern is a round emblem featuring a red AIDs ribbon over a map of Africa with Cameroon highlighted in …
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Cloth from the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training in Yaoundé. Features images of the various buildings where the ministry is located. Text: Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training; Ministère …
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Cloth commemorating the 2012 agricultural fair in Ebolowa, Cameroon. The cloth features a central emblem of various agricultural icons, such as a chick, a cow, cocoa, bannanas, and a tractor. …
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Fabric produced to celebrate International Women's Day in 2013. Text (French and English) Journée Internationale de la Femme 8 Mars; International Women's Day 8th March. Text: Les changements climatiques sont …
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Cotton shirt commemorating the 2001 Conférence des chef d'Etat de France et d'Afrique in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Text: Vive l'amitié Franco-Africaine; Yaoundé; Janvier 2001; 21ème conférence des chefs d'état de France …
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This cloth features a diamond pattern, with the center design displaying the letters of the alphabet. The diamonds at the top and bottom count from one to nine. The top …
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Cloth celebrating the contributions of rural women to agriculture in Cameroon. The cloth features the names of the ten Cameroonian provinces, along with important agricultural products such as bananas, plantains, …
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A dress produced to celebrate the women's day. It contains two women, one holding a child. In the background, there is a yellow map of Cameroun. There are several small …
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Cloth from the mid-1980s featuring Cameroonian President Paul Biya and his recently renamed political party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM). The party had previously been known as the Cameroon …