Revealing the Meanings of the Symbols on African Fabrics and Dresses

Despite the proliferation of a number of clothing styles and a plethora of designs, African Fabrics and Dresses never seem to lose their essence and relevance in the modern society. The hidden meanings embedded in the colours and patterns of the African dresses make them somewhat interesting and different.

A distinctive feature of these unique dresses is their use of intricate patterns, festive colours, and figurative symbols to communicate meaning. These garments are more than mere adornment. According to Dr. Yankah, Professor of Linguistics at the University of Ghana, these things are used not only to commemorate historical events, praise political heroes, and to assert social identities, but also a form of rhetoric- a medium for the silent projection of argument.

Adinkra Cloth

Native to Ghana, Adinkra cloth is an embroidered and dyed cloth decorated with Adinkra symbols using stamps carved out from a calabash or gourd. These symbols represent historical events, regional ideology and proverbs, and aspects of daily life. Some common Adinkra symbols are the Dua Afe, a symbol of beauty and love, the Adwo, which represents peace, and the Abe Dua, a treelike emblem representing self-sufficiency and wealth.

Kente Cloth

Kente cloth is one of the finest and famous African Fabrics and typically woven into long three to four-inch wide panels. Many panels can be sewn together to make clothing for both women and men. The brightly coloured threads create the designs and patterns and often represent religious beliefs, common motifs and political commentary. The colours are of great significance as they interpret the meaning of the pattern, with green meaning fertility, red symbolising death, blue signifying love and white expressing purity.

Garment Shape

In addition to pictorial symbols, writing and colours on the surface of the cloth, the cut of a specific African garment can convey. Traditional dresses and clothes for the women of Akan include different pieces that signify age and marital status.

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