Category: Africa

raffia cloth

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, Africa, R, term definition

Raffia cloth is a type of textile woven from palm leaves and used for garments, bags and mats.

The Authentication of Chinese Culture in African Fashion

2000-2009, 2010-2019, 21st century, Africa, thematic essays

Since the mid-20th century, relations between Africa and China have grown stronger leading to a significant change in the mutual adaptation of fashion between both nations. A 21st century, Sino-African style has been formed by the intercultural meshing of traditional garments, textiles, and motifs.

pelete bite

19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Africa, B, P, term definition

Pelete bite is a fabric created by the Kalabari Ijo peoples of the Niger Delta region by cutting threads out of imported cloth to create motifs.

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.

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.

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.