Popular African Fabrics & Their Origins

1. Kente (Ghana) 🇬🇭

• Woven by the Akan and Ewe people, kente is a royal fabric known for its bright colors and intricate geometric patterns.
• Traditionally worn during ceremonies, weddings, and special occasions.

2. Ankara (West & Central Africa) 

• Also called African wax print, Ankara is known for its bold, colorful patterns.
• Popular for dresses, headwraps, and modern African fashion.

3. Bogolan (Mud Cloth – Mali) 🇲🇱

• Handmade cotton fabric dyed with fermented mud and plant extracts.
• Traditionally used by the Bamana people for spiritual protection and storytelling.

4. Aso Oke (Nigeria) 🇳🇬

• A prestigious, handwoven fabric worn by the Yoruba people during weddings, chieftaincy ceremonies, and festivals.
• Comes in three styles: Alaari (red), Sanyan (brown), Etu (blue).

5. Shweshwe (South Africa) 🇿🇦

• A printed cotton fabric with tiny geometric patterns, widely used in traditional South African dresses.
• Originally introduced through trade, now a symbol of African heritage.

6. Kikoy (Kenya, Tanzania) 🇰🇪 🇹🇿

• A vibrant cotton wrap worn by men and women along the Swahili coast.
• Used as a scarf, sarong, or beachwear.

7. Kitenge (East & Central Africa) 

• A cotton fabric with wax prints, similar to Ankara but with distinct regional variations.
• Worn in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.

8. Dashiki (West Africa) 

• A loose-fitting, embroidered tunic made from colorful African prints.
• A symbol of African pride and cultural identity.

9. Bark Cloth (Uganda) 🇺🇬

• Made from the inner bark of the Mutuba tree, this ancient fabric is beaten into soft sheets.
• Used in ceremonial attire by the Baganda people.

10. Baoule Fabric (Ivory Coast) 🇨🇮

• A handwoven textile from the Baoule people, similar to Kente but with subtle, elegant patterns.
• Often used for scarves, traditional robes, and upholstery.

11 NDOP Cloth, Cameroon (🇨🇲 Atogho) 

• A handwoven textile from Western Cameroon, similar to Mali Mud cloth but with subtle, elegant patterns.

African fabrics are no longer just for traditional wear—they are now used in
Contemporary fashion – Runways, casual wear, and streetwear.
Home décor – Cushion covers, curtains, and upholstery.
Accessories – Bags, shoes, headwraps, and jewelry.

Wear Africa, Embrace Heritage!

African fabrics are a symbol of pride, history, and creativity. Whether in fashion, art, or décor, they continue to inspire and connect people globally.