The topic culture is usually an intersting one to discuss. Today I had an interactive session with my students. In discussing one of the features of culture, my mind raced back memory lane , to how much our dressing culture have changed, modified, and now in a way we are back to where it all started.
The Africa print was first made by the Dutch, know as the Dutch wax. The fabric is 100% cotton, which suits the African climate perfectly.
In the 70s and 80s, Nigerians were use to wearing African prints, and we had textile mills ,making these African print, but, over time, most of these factories shut down, as a result of high cost of production. Africans then turned their attention to western clothing, importing these clothings from abroad. Clothings like the English suit, pant trousers, gown, e.t.c. Very few persons , especially the older ones, uses the African print, popularly known today as Ankara.
Just few years down the line,it was as if a shell fell off our eyes, we rediscovered ourselves, and started been creative. Creativity led us to conceive various ways the Ankara (African print), can be put to use.
Some of these uses include the following-
Making clothes with the Ankara fabric alone
Using the Ankara fabric as patches on clothes
Making customise bags, shoes with the Ankara fabric
Ankara accessories
Using the Ankara fabric as wrappings for furniture
You can't help but fall in love with the Ankara fabric and its versatality. Beautiful bright colours and unique designs. And its very affordable too. The ankara is worn by everyone today, including children . It can be used as a casual outfit, as well as a former one.
The Ankara fabric is a huge market here in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. We have more textile factories been set up to meet the daily demand for this product.
The Ankara fever is sweeping across Africa and the rest of the world, has it caught up with you?
How about having an Ankara piece in your wardrobe or your home, you will be glad you did.
Our Ankara, our African pride!
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