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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Portuguese
This fabric was designed to commemorate the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO, Frente de Libertação de Moçambique). The pattern is largely red, green and black – the colors of the Mozambican …
Portuguese
This design commemorates the national holiday as well as the 3rd Meeting of African and Spanish Women. The blue background features the outline of the Croix d’Agadez (Cross of Agadez), …
Portuguese
This vibrant fabric was designed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Mozambican independence. On a geometric background of orange, green, red, black, white, and yellow, the main image of the …
Portuguese
Fabric promoting peace in Mozambique. The cloth contains a picture of a corn stalk and a drum in the middle, with the words "O futuro melhor" underneath. Beside it, there …
Portuguese
The cloth was made for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams, which took place in South Africa …
Portuguese
This fabric commemorates International Workers’ Day in Mozambique. On a deep red background, the central emblem features an ornate flower in gold, red, and black. In the center of the …
Portuguese
This cloth commemorates Olympic gold medal-winner Maria Mutola's campaign against HIV/AIDS. Text: Maria de Lourdes Mutola [sic]; Os seus filhos precisam de si; SIDA. English translation: Your children need you; …
Portuguese
Cloth commemorating Maria Mutola's gold medal win of the 800 m race in Sydney in 2000. Text: Republica de Moçambique; Marie de Lurdes Mutola; Orgulho nacional; Campeã Olimpica dos 800 …
Portuguese
This fabric commemorates the 15th year of the “Ilê Aiyê” in Palmares, Brazil. On a white background, this fabric displays the image of Black Brazilian warrior Zumbi of Palmares as …