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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- 10
French
Cloth promoting the University of Buea in Buea, Cameroon. This cloth features the seal of the University of Buea set against a blue and green checkered background. Within the seal …
French
This fabric commemorates the Bassa Synod of Cameroon. On a light blue background decorated with blue and green images of open bibles, the fabric features a repeating pattern of green …
French
Tunic commemorating the ordination of pastors in the Bassa Presbyterian Synod. This tunic is made from a standard abstract pattern with grided and floral features. The text has been stamped …
French
Cloth promoting the cultural association of the Elog-Mpoo people in Cameroon. The cloth features the seal of ACTEM flanked by palm trees and a member of the Elog-Mpoo ethnic community. …
French
This orange and brown colored fabric features the company slogan and logo alternating with images displaying motifs related to housing: brick wall and a roof. Text (French): Crédit foncier du …
French
This fabric commemorating the 2014 International Women’s Day in Cameroon features an intricate pattern in shades of yellow, gold, orange and black. The pattern includes several portraits of women. These …
French
Cloth commemorating the sixth Women's Congress of the Presbyterian Church of Cameroon. The heart-shaped logo of the Presbyterian Church of Cameroon is featured on this cloth. Inside the heart is …
French
Dress made for the Bassa Synod featuring the major towns within the region. This cloth was made for the Bassa Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Cameroon. It features the …
French
This blue and gold cloth features a calendar for 2009 underneath an abstract image of a two women in a city scene. The image and the calendar are bordered with …
French
Cloth made for the Cameroon national soccer team, the Indomitable Lions, who participated in the 1990 World Cup held in Italy. The Lions lost to England in the quarter finals. …