African Wax Prints
If you are looking for a unique piece of art, you may want to buy a piece of African wax prints. These beautiful prints are sold in lengths of 6 or 12 yards, and are generally purchased for celebrations. Many African women use wax prints as a form of nonverbal communication. They name them after places, sayings, or people. Each piece is also printed with a registration number. They are seen as a capital good by African women, and they often hold onto their works for years.
AFRICAN WAX PRINTS
African Wax Prints are made from 100% cotton using a wax-resist method, similar to batik. These prints feature intricate motifs on each side of the fabric that are repeated along its length. The designs often take inspiration from African culture, sayings, personality traits, and nature. These fabrics are generally sold as bolts of six yards each. Each section of the fabric is labeled by the manufacturer.
African wax prints are also sometimes cut on cross grain, which means that the pattern line is on the other side of the fabric’s selvedge. This can enhance the appearance of the design. Either way, you can expect the print to be durable and last a long time.
Authenticity
Before you invest in an African wax print, you should know a few facts about it. The first important fact is that many of these prints are not made by Africans. In fact, most of them are manufactured in Europe. However, Ghana now has several high-quality producers, including Woodin, which is a subsidiary of Holland’s Vlisco. Another important fact is that many of these manufacturers are not owned by Africans.
Africans still rely on the textile industry for their livelihood, and factory closures have a negative impact on the economy of the continent. The farmers AFRICAN WAX PRINTS 40*40 who produce the fabric are also being harmed by the loss of jobs. But by knowing the basics, you can tell the difference between an authentic and a fake African wax print.
Another factor that affects the authenticity of an African wax print is its origin. Some of these fabrics were introduced to the West African market by Dutch traders. Dutch batik fabrics were popular in Europe, but they were originally mass-produced imitations of the Indonesian batik. The Dutch and the English colonial powers had a heavy hand in the industrialisation of batik textiles.
African wax print fabric is also called kitenge in East Africa and ankara in West Africa. It is a type of African fabric that is known for its bright colours and patterns. The prints are derived from tribal and traditional motifs and symbols. The bright colours are thought to make people happier. This unique fabric is also very versatile, and can be turned into traditional African print clothing.
African wax prints 40*40 are usually sold by African artisans. However, they are also produced by Chinese manufacturers. This competition has led to the production of cheap copies of the authentic prints. It’s important to check the quality of African wax prints. You should look for the manufacturer’s name and monogram on the product. This information will help you distinguish between the authentic and the fake prints.
Identification
Wax prints are popular in Africa. Their popularity is largely driven by culture, taste and desires of African consumers. These prints can convey secret messages, recite local proverbs and portray a person’s social status, political convictions, marital status, age, sex, and group affiliation. Different countries have their own names for these prints.
There are two main types of African wax prints: the traditional ones and the replicas. The first type was made by the Dutch in the 19th century. They were intended for the Indonesian market, but they eventually spread throughout the African continent. Initially, Dutch wax prints were mass produced imitations of Indonesian batik. This process of dyeing and drawing wax on cotton produced a variety of colors and designs. Today, batik is considered a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The African wax fabric is known by different names and have a rich history. Each design has a story behind it. Over the centuries, women in African communities have contributed meaningful meanings to specific prints. Some of the most iconic African wax prints include the Hibiscus print, the Topizo print, and the Kofi Annan print.
African wax prints can be classified according to the process of production, the design, and the texture. The most common type is the non-stretchy African print wax. This type is not stretchy and reflects the design on the back. The other type is the stretchy type, which is ideal for dresses that need some stretch. The stretchy type of African wax prints is similar to crepe fabric.
African wax prints are a common material in clothing in West and Central Africa. Dutch merchants introduced this technique to the continent in the nineteenth century. They took inspiration from Indonesian batik and Akwete cloth designs, and adapted the designs to the African taste. The modern-day variation of African wax prints has allowed the textiles to reach beyond their native African borders.
Fabrics
African wax prints are fabrics made from 100% cotton and printed using a wax-resist method. They are similar to batik and are often decorated with complex motifs repeated across the fabric. The prints are often inspired by African culture, sayings, personalities, or nature. The fabrics are usually sold AFRICAN WAX PRINTS 40*40 in 6 yard bolts and are printed with the manufacturer’s label on one section.
Some African wax prints look better when cut on the cross grain, meaning that the pattern marking is at an angle to the selvedge. You can cut them both ways, however, if you plan on using them for other purposes. It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and drying your fabrics before attempting to use them.