A Touch of History: Traditional African Fabrics

African Ankara fabrics, also known as printed fabrics or African Wax Print, are a symbol of cultural wealth and artistic heritage deeply rooted in the heart of West Africa. These fabrics are not only an expression of identity and pride but also a key element of the local economy, supporting the livelihoods of many communities and artisans.

Ankara fabrics are known for their vibrant colors and bold patterns that reflect African culture and the natural landscape. Our fabrics specifically come from Nigeria, but they are widespread across West Africa. The production of these fabrics is an art that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Each of these fabrics has its unique characteristics and is deeply rooted in the culture and history of its region. We offer Ankara fabric, also known as African Wax Print, which we import from Nigeria—my second home. This fabric is particularly popular in many countries, especially in West and Central Africa. The history of Ankara dates back to the 19th century when Dutch traders introduced this printing technique in Indonesia. The patterns were originally designed to mimic traditional Indonesian batik designs, but once these fabrics reached Africa, they were quickly embraced by local communities, who incorporated them into their traditional attire.

The production of Ankara fabric involves a wax-resist dyeing technique. Wax is applied to cotton fabric in patterns before dyeing, preventing the color from penetrating certain areas and creating the distinctive look. Sometimes, the process is repeated with different colors to achieve multilayered or more intricate designs.

Traditionally, these fabrics were used exclusively for African clothing, particularly for celebrations such as weddings, funerals, and other significant events. It remains customary for families and groups to wear matching outfits made from the same fabric to distinguish key guests from the rest of the attendees. This tradition is still observed today. At large gatherings, the fabric patterns can often indicate a person's origins and social status. Women also accessorize with these fabrics, tying them into elaborate headwraps that serve both an aesthetic and symbolic function—sometimes signifying marital status based on the style and size of the wrap.

In recent years, younger generations have begun blending traditional attire with modern fashion, incorporating these fabrics into accessories, home décor, and even artwork. In the past, mixing Ankara with modern pieces like jeans was unthinkable, but today's youth confidently combine these fabrics with contemporary styles. Women commission handbags made from Ankara, and young artists even use the fabric to customize modern footwear, creating unique wardrobe pieces.

Despite its many uses, Ankara fabric continues to play its most essential role for mothers across Africa, who use it for babywearing. Regardless of financial status or social standing, strollers have never truly gained popularity on this continent—women of all backgrounds carry their babies in fabric wraps. However, the traditional technique of tying the baby on the back, as practiced in Africa, is not as widely adopted in European countries. There are many different babywearing techniques, and we will gradually introduce you to them.

Babywearing offers numerous benefits—for the mother, it strengthens the bond with her child, supports breastfeeding, and provides greater mobility. For the baby, it fosters a sense of security from birth, improves sleep, and helps establish a deep emotional connection with the mother. 

Since babywearing is also popular in the Czech Republic, the Czech Pediatric Society issued an official statement on babywearing in 2011. You can find more details in our upcoming article.