Archives | Fashion History Timeline

kente

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Africa, K, term definition

Kente is a Ghanaian strip woven textile that has striped patterns and bright colors with corresponding meanings.

Akwete

19th century, 20th century, A, Africa, term definition

Akwete is a decorative cloth with complex weave designs, creating intricate geometric patterns, made with many vibrant colors. It is usually made into wrappers for women to wear and it is made by the Igbo women of Nigeria.

cochineal dyes

14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, Americas, C, term definition

Cochineal dyes come from the Cochineal beetle that is native to the Americas and is most commonly found on prickly pear cacti. When dried and crushed it creates its famous red pigment that is used to dye textiles.

wampum

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, Americas, term definition, W

Wampum are shell beads strung together by American Indians to create images and patterns on accessories such as headbands and belts that can also be used as currency for trading.

moccasins

19th century, Americas, M, term definition

Moccasins are a type of soft animal skin shoe that were worn by Indians in North America.

labret

14th century, 15th century, 16th century, Africa, Americas, L, term definition

A labret is a type of lip-piercing worn by various cultures to indicate wealth, prosperity and beauty.

quillwork

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, Americas, Q, term definition

Quillwork is a method of textile ornamentation among some North American Indian groups that employs the quills of porcupines, often flattened or dyed, to be used as a decorative embellishment.

bark cloth

19th century, 20th century, Africa, B, term definition

Bark cloth is fabric made out of bark from trees.

back apron (negbe)

19th century, 20th century, A, Africa, B, N, term definition

An oval-shaped decorative pad worn by Mangbetu women over the buttocks in Central Africa.

boubou

19th century, 20th century, Africa, B, term definition

The boubou is an African robe made of one large rectangle of fabric with an opening in the center for the neck. When worn it drapes down over the shoulders and billows at the sleeves.

Month: Last updated Apr 9, 2021 | Published on Apr 11, 2021

kente

Akwete

cochineal dyes

wampum

moccasins

labret

quillwork

bark cloth

back apron (negbe)

boubou

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