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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Publication Type
- 24
Language
- 14
- 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 …
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 …
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 …
English
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 …
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. …
English
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 …
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 …
English
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. …
English
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 …
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 …
English
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 …
English
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 …
English
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, …
English
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 …
English
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 …
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 …
English
This cloth celebrates International Women's Day 2012 and also the contributions of Cameroonian women to the future of the country in the domains of agriculture, education, and technology. The background …
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. …
English
Fabric produced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cameroonian Independence and reunification. Text (French): Un Peuple, une Nation, un Avenir / 50 ans de Paix, de Stabilité et de Progrès; …
English
This cloth celebrates International Women's Day 2012 and also the contributions of Cameroonian women to the future of the country in the domains of agriculture, education, and technology. Text (French): …
English
Fabric produced to celebrate the international Women's Day. The main image depicts a woman holding up the globe. Text (French, English) Journée Internationale Femme 8 Mars International Women's Day 8th …