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
- 8
Language
- 5
- 2
- 1
French
This fabric has an abstract blue pattern that features blue and orange diamond shapes. The smaller diamond shapes contain an outline of the country of Mali. The capital, Bamako, is …
English
This fabric commemorates the 10th anniversary of the political party Union Démocratique du Peuple Malien (Democratic Union of the Malian People), the sole legal party from its creation in 1979 …
French
The blue background displays an abstract pattern with white birds overlain throughout. One bird carries an envelope in its beak. The emblem shows an image of a woman’s profile, an …
French
Fabric commemorating an arts and culture festival that takes place every two years in Bamako, Mali. The purple checkered background features a pattern of cowry shells in the shape of …
French
This fabric commemorates Mali’s 1991 March Revolution and honors the lives lost. The green background features the acronyms of various political parties and national associations. The central image displays a …
French
Fabric made for the national airline company based out of Bamako, Mali. The company operated from 1960 until 1990. The background shows a red, yellow, and black striped pattern. The …
Fulah
Fabric commemorating a cultural festival held by the Malian organization Tabital Pulaaka. Tabital Pulaaku promotes and protects the arts and culture of the Fula people. The fabric features an image …
English
This fabric commemorates the unknown organization referred to by the acronym CNDN. The featured images show tribal symbols that resemble a human figure, a person fishing, and a fish. Donated …