This hand-woven fabric is used in both male and female clothing, but the patterns and colors differ according to gender, status, and region of Africa. I am glad to find this article, because I was just now looking for information about patterns in African fabric designs: their history, symbolism, etc. There was an awesome exhibit on fabrics of Congo in New York, but they did not talk about the meaning imbued in the designs. The colors are of particular significance as they interpret the meaning of the pattern, with red symbolizing death, green meaning fertility, white expressing purity and … Here are some of the more popular kente motifs and their interpretations. All over Africa, visual images and ordinary objects are used symbolically to communicate knowledge, feelings and values. It creates a quintessential African look. Historically, kente cloth is the attire of royalty, originating from Ghana. The African mask is decorated with pattern. 2. Kente cloth is one of the African most popular and beloved pieces of clothes. If you check out the African pattern on various items, it comes in symmetrical or geometrical pattern. Many patterns are sold widely in Africa, and different countries and cultures adopt different meanings and associations. Feb 22, 2014 - Explore Claudine Brown's board "African Symbols", followed by 179 people on Pinterest. Download The Uniqueness of African Patterns. 3. The patterns created by the brightly colored threads often represent common motifs, religious beliefs, and political commentary. Wax prints are a textile like no other. See more ideas about african symbols, african, symbols. There are more than 350 patterns used in kente weaving. Such creations may seem irrational and illogical unless we understand their meaning. Facts about African Patterns 1: the African pattern and style. There are a lot of symbols and meanings to all the items that are put together to create a specific African pattern. Black and White African Pattern. These patterns are formed by unique methods of intertwining the threads of various colors. The patterns found on Dutch wax prints. African Fighter Tattoo Design: Here comes a beautiful, intricate African tattoo design of a female warrior armed with weapons. Download Fabric African Pattern. [RELATED ARTICLE: 54 African Wax Prints and the Story behind their Names] 17 Weave Patterns and Meanings. Dutch wax is a kind of resin-printed fabric that has long been manufactured in the Netherlands for a West African market. A mask with human features may have added to it forward-curving antelope horns and a great bird's beak because it represents a spirit that does not take human or animal form. Facts about African Patterns 2: The African mask. But it does not look plain since the artist applies it in various ways. They are able to hold colours other textiles cannot, and the designs themselves act as a cultural currency and history for the beholder. 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