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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French
1997 calendar with all the months of the year. It also contains a picture of man holding a spear seated on a horse. The piece of cloth has a white …
French
Cloth celebrating 50 years of independence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Text: 50 R.D.C.; Vive la R.D.C.; Pour la paix; Pour l'unité; Pour un Congo fort; Pour le …
French
This fabric commemorates the National Samariya Youth Movement of Niger. The background displays a pattern of blue and red images of traditional housing structures. The main image features people walking …
French
This dress commemorates the first president of Chad, François Tombalbaye. The beige and maroon background displays a pattern of vines, called “conseiller” (English translation: advisor). Centered on both the front …
French
Fabric produced to celebrate the Central African Republic. In the middle of the cloth, there is an image of a hand doing a peace sign. There are also several pictures …
French
Cloth from the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training of Cameroon. Features images of the various buildings where the ministry is located. Text: Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training / …
French
This brightly colored fabric in yellow, red, and green commemorates the role of breast milk in children's health. The cloth features an image of a mother breastfeeding her baby, as …
French
The brown and white geometric background displays images of clasped hands in orange, blue, and brown. A series of national motifs are featured within a blue circle. Two hands hold …
French
This fabric commemorates Félix Tshisekedi, president of the Democratic Republic of Congo. On a mustard yellow background with red and black designs are five oval portraits of the president wearing …
French
This fabric was designed to commemorate two notable figures from the RDC: P. E. Lumumba and Mamadou Ndala. On a purple background decorated with yellow laurel branches, an oval-shaped portrait …