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
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 / …
English
Kanga cloth to celebrate the election of President Barack Obama. Obama's image is central, flanked by two maps of Africa, and set within a gridded, floral border, all on a …
English
This fabric displays strong horizontal orange bars around which are intertwined loops of green and periwinkle. In the green and periwinkle loops can be seen different sizes of padlocks. This …
English
This fabric commemorates Mbômbô Erna and was created after her passing. Her portrait in black and white repeats across the pattern. The central emblem displays an intricate circular design of …
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 …
English
A Kente stole commemorating the 2012 Joint Conference of Librarians of Color (JCLC). A black kente stole, with stripes of white, maroon, yellow, green, and black, and featuring the symbol …
English
A purple kente stole, with stripes, lettering, and symbols in yellow-gold. The stole features a key symbol on either side. Text: Trail-blazer 2015 / AfricAIDE