Documenting changing fashion in Africa post-1960
This strip of aso-oke fabric was collected by Fashioning Africa collecting panel member Edith Ojo in 2018 to represent contemporary aso-oke styles. Aso-oke, which translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’ is a formal textile, traditionally woven by men. Its is primarily made from cotton or silk, woven in long narrow strips which are Read More …
This strip of aso-oke fabric was collected by dress historian and Fashioning Africa collecting panel member Lou Taylor in the 1970s. Aso-oke translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’. It is a formal cloth that is traditionally handwoven by the men of southwestern Nigeria using a narrow strip loom. It is primarily made from Read More …
This strip of aso-oke fabric was collected by dress historian and Fashioning Africa collecting panel member Lou Taylor in the 1970s. Aso-oke translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’. It is a formal cloth that is traditionally handwoven by the men of southwestern Nigeria using a narrow strip loom. It is primarily made from Read More …
This commemorative cloth was made in Burkina Faso and celebrates 10 years of ‘Association des Servantes du Christ’. Commemorative cloths are a popular way to promote organisations, people and events. Collected as part of the Fashioning Africa project. Creator: unknown Place: Burkina Faso, West Africa, Africa Date: 1989
This narrow strip woven women’s kente cloth was made by an unknown Ewe weaver. This type of cloth is called ‘Sasa’, mixed cloth or patchwork. These cloths are made up of different coloured stripes of narrowstrip woven cloth and most of the examples that make up this cloth use the ‘Kpevi’ or two stones technique. Read More …
This is a narrow strip woven rayon kente cloth. This type of cloth is known as ‘Titriku’ or thick cloth, and always features a square block design. It is a very popular cloth design that has been woven in the Agotime region since at least the early 20th century. This example was woven at a Read More …
This men’s narrow strip woven rayon kente cloth, made by twins Fred and Richmond Akpo, is an Adanouvor or design cloth. It features motifs such as sankofa (bird looking back), tortoises, people, and geckos. This is a copy of the Akpos’ cloth that won them the 2016 Agotime Kpetoe Kente Festival weaving and design competition. Read More …
This men’s narrow strip woven kente cloth was made by Ewe weaver John Kwasi Dometi in 1980. This type of cloth is called ‘Worgbale’, or python skin. The cloth was owned by Jonathan ‘Old Man Young Boy’ Akakpo, and was created for him by the weaver who was father to Esther Dometi, Jonathan’s late wife. Read More …
This narrow strip woven kente cloth was created by Ewe weaver Bokorkpo Yawo in 1957. It is usually difficult to find well provenanced older cloths, but fortunately the owner, Dometi Delali, supplied the museum with a detailed history. The age is also of significance as it was created the year Ghana gained independence from British Read More …
This narrow strip woven kente cloth was created by Ewe weaver Exodus Hallo. It was especially commissioned for Nene Akoto Sah VII to wear at the Agotime Kpetoe Kente Festival, an important annual event for Ewe people. Nene Akoto, whose given name is Emmanuel Tetteh, is a respected war chief and prominent member of society. Read More …