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
This fabric is in support of Ali Saibou, the president of the National Movement for the Development of Society (MNSD). His portrait is featured in the center. The blue background …
French
This fabric commemorates nursery schools for young children and maternal classes for mothers. The black and navy geometric background displays an image of children playing in a schoolyard while two …
French
Fabric celebrating Niger’s independence. The background displays a red, beige, and green motif similar to that of the Nigerien national flag. It is bordered by elephants. This fabric features a …
French
This fabric honors the trade union CDTN that was founded in 2001. The black background features a pattern that resembles a web. The CDTN logo and slogan are displayed as …
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), …
English
This fabric was made for the political movement Société de Développement that was led by President Kountché in the late 1970s. The movement’s logo is the central theme. It shows …
French
This fabric was made for the Mouvement National Pour la Société de Développement-NASSARA (MNSD-NASSARA). The political party was officially created in 1991 after MNSD adopted the word Nassara, meaning "victory." …
French
This fabric commemorates the 8th annual Youth Festival that took place in 1984 in Niamey, Niger. The central image features three palm trees. Text (French): 8eme Festival de la Jeunesse; …
French
This fabric commemorates International Literacy Day, September 8th. The larger image features a man reading a newspaper. The smaller image shows the emblem for DAFA (Direction de l’Alphabetisation et de …
French
This royal blue fabric displays a public health campaign for family planning. The central image features a family standing in front of their home. There is a man, a pregnant …
French
Fabric commemorating AFB, a women’s NGO in the Banifandou district of Niamey, Niger. The background displays a geometric pattern in blue. The central image shows a calabash bowl with intricate …
French
Fabric commemorating World Food Day in 1982. The black background shows images of maize stalks. The central image is of a national emblem that shows the outline of the country, …
French
This fabric commemorates the 1982 festival that took place in Agades, Niger. The black background features a pattern of blue symbols known as the Croix d’Agadez (Cross of Agadez). The …
English
This fabric features letters of the Latin and African alphabets. There is a diamond shaped emblem showing a hand holding a pen with the Nigerian coat of arms displayed above. …
Hausa
This fabric is part of a 1980s public health campaign to prevent the spread of Lassa fever, a vector born disease transmitted through rodents. The fabric features images of rodents, …
Koyraboro Senni Songhai
This fabric is part of a project to promote a more environmentally friendly and efficient stove, the Mai Sauka. The blue and green backdrop features an image of two women. …
French
This fabric commemorates the 1982-1983 national championship for Lutte Traditionnelle (Traditional Wrestling) that took place in Maradi. This fabric features an image of two men wresting in traditional uniform. Below …
Kanuri
Fabric made to commemorate the 3rd Congress of the Women’s Association of Niger (AFN) that took place in 1982. It features 6 emblems in 6 different languages. The emblem design …
French
This fabric promotes the Nigerian politician Ibrahim Maïnassara who founded the political party known as Rassemblement pour la Démocratie et le Progrès (RDP-Jama’a or Rally for Democracy and Progress). The …
French
This fabric commemorates the National Samariya Youth Movement of Niger. The background displays a pattern of blue and red images of traditional housing structures. The main image features people walking …
French
This dress commemorates the first president of Chad, François Tombalbaye. The beige and maroon background displays a pattern of vines, called “conseiller” (English translation: advisor). Centered on both the front …