Patterns are combined to convey the rules for proper conduct in the tribe and the requirements of the spirits that the masks represent and are therefore a powerful form of communication. photos of textures in the sand could be reflective of those braids.... or the other way round? Kuba Raffia cloth is a highly patterned single color cloth made from sewn strips and squares of woven raffia cloth which has been embroidered with dyed raffia threads in all sorts of geometric shapes in interlaced and intertwined combinations. An example of where symbolic motifs and emblems are vigorously used are by the Ashanti tribes of Ghana and the Gyaman of Cote D'Ivoire who apply motifs to fabric, pottery and paper - visual representations of concepts and idioms. Find & Download Free Graphic Resources for African Pattern. A GUIDE TO NAMES AND NAMING PRACTICES CONTENTS Page AFRICA 1. Take For further insight and information into African textiles click here. Nigerian: a. Yoruba 6-7 b. Igbo (Ibo) 7 c. Hausa 7-8 2. to rhythm: The pounding of maize in a bowl feels the same as the stamping of pigment on fabric..... the weaving of hair braids is the same soft rhythmic exercise as plucking at an. Fabric stories Though created in The Netherlands, our designs come to life in Africa where traders and customers name them. Though European manufacturers identified the fabrics by number, West African traders often named them, and those names became widely known. … of 8,263. vectores animales seamless fabric design abstract art\ african animals graphic african modern art ethnic pattern animals wallpaper what is art abstract animal graphics background animals triangles. As the cloth is woven in strips and then sewn together, the design possibilities for a finished piece are endless. Chequerboard black and white triangles, or squares, represent the separation of knowledge and ignorance. 826,232 african pattern stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free. So Historically, many forms of mathematical geometric variations have occurred in both repetitive border and all-over patterns. The Asante in Ghana use non-figurative patterns representing proverbs while the Ewes use figurative weft patterns also representing proverbs. African mythology covers a vast area. This print really does resemble the back of a tortoise’s shell with its rough and oval shape taking after the housing of the land-based reptile. So, too, do the camouflage markings on animals, birds and insects. It costs you nothing but a few minutes of your time. being so visually appealing, I see pattern making in Africa as an innate thing, akin The most vividly coloured patterns had the same style as that seen in their beaded jewelry, aprons and other utility items. Would it be that anyone who wears it is like the back of a tortoise shell? On the land, observations of botanical items like leaves, trees, thorns, pods and seeds reveal elegant shapes, lines and patterning. You can do so right here and now by building a page in this website. Take Parallel zigzags reminds the viewer to obey the 'path of the ancestors', often used to represent the fact that nothing in life is straightforward and the path will be difficult to follow. Interior designers also use African patterns in giving a character to a space that they are designing. Being aware of, and having understanding of the nature and function of symbolism as a form of communication in both current and historical cultures will help provide understanding of the pattern of thoughts and feelings of contemporary African cultures. A key African artist of her generation with growing international exposure, Ethiopian … Each pattern would tell a story, but only to those who understood the meaning of the symbols. Yes, Africans wear have worn VLISCO textiles and many Nana Benz have prospered from it, but that doesn’t mean that … Jul 29, 2015 - Women skirt and blouse includes only the best african clothing styles for women with taste for african fashion and styles. Applied in an abstract fashion to pounded bark cloth the artists paint rhythmical free-oscillating patterns using sticks and natural dye made from black carbon and Gardenia juice. South Africa - South Africa - Urban settlement: Urban settlement in South Africa originated both as concentrations of population around the political centres of African chiefdoms and kingdoms and as towns established by European colonizers. * Pattern making by artists/artisans/designers and architects in the contemporary African world  can be viewed on this page. The Yorubas introduce rows of holes lengthwise in the woven cloth strip. Kente or Ashanti cloth from Ghana has over 300 different traditional patterns. You’ll find these sophisticated patterns (usually in black and white) on Afrocentric dresses, tops, pant suits and more. Ndebele mural designs can communicate information about a family's history and identity. It was peculiar to note how most of the names were mostly Akan proverbs related with … . Where’s my Batmobile? Imagine my surprise when one random sunny day, my mom pointed to one of the prints I was using to create a wall-hanging and said, ‘That fabric is called nmlitsa.’ My ears perked up, ‘What is nmlitsa?’ She laughed and said, ‘its Ga for gravel.’ Now my curiousity was more ripe than ever! African patterns have also been used in home furniture and materials including pillows, chairs, bed linens, curtains, and a lot more. Sea shells and fish have beautiful intricate patterning for adornment and coral creates crazy outline shapes. Welcome to my blog! See more ideas about african quilts, quilts, art quilts. He reliably informed me that most of the old-school designs were Block1 patterns by GTP, however the more recent ones like Nu Style don't have names like what i was interested in. See more ideas about african attire, african clothing styles, african clothing. Of all the genres by which patterning is exhibited in Africa, textiles carry the most exciting and most complex form of repetitive design. I mostly work on figurative, Hassan Onar Wamwayi is a transverse multi expressional artist from Uganda who majorly focuses in the art of photography to understand the truth of subjects, About me  |  Contact  |  Privacy Policy  |  Blog  |  Newsletter. Sadly, in this modern era, a lot of the meaning and historical significance of various shapes or motifs is lost to us and can only be conjectured about. Beadwork is common in East Africa and Southern Africa although it is still used in other parts of Africa including Nigeria and Ethiopia. Free for commercial use High Quality Images Produced in Zimbabwe, these original and unusual mosaic tables featured above have used both animal, reptile and geometric sources for the Africa-inspired, Africa Collection. There are some fabrics with designs dating way back in my great grandmother’s time and possibly before. Bold pattern either painted, embellished, carved or etched is a powerful and expressive component of African mask design. Besidesbeing so visually appealing, I see pattern making in Africa as an innate thing, akinto rhythm: The pounding of maize in a bowl feels the same as the stamping of pigment on fabric..... the weaving of hair braids is the same soft rhythmic e… SE Nigeria. Mask patterns can denote social status and have magical or spiritual powers. observe the colourful, printed or dyed fabrics used to clothe her. It seems to me that these photos of textures in the sand could be reflective of those braids.... or the other way round? and all around us in Africa, there are patterns that can be visualised or conceptualised. Mud cloth was originally a show of status, and many African American woman still wear mud cloth prints with pride. sorts of arrangements. Here, an antique document recording wall patterns from 1905 is used as a resource for a contemporary African textile design. a drive anywhere in Africa and look for patterns; note the decorated houses, see how the road stall is set out in product groupings defined by colour or shape. This is personal favourite of mine, which I haven’t yet bought but keep admiring form afar. Kuba (Bushoong) cloth - from an early 20th C style, can have very graphic patterning and will always have different elements to it as it is generally made up of 3 panels. I was curious to find out what each meant, after all its what we wear and there has to be more to the story of the designs on our African print. I thought it would have had a name of a bird like a swallow or Okpo! Adinkra robes, seen here below worn by two Ashanti men, are stamped with motifs in various patterns that have symbolic significance and tell a story or recount a proverb. Deeply thrown afternoon shadows from trees and rocks lend themselves to beautiful intricacies of pattern. Look at the woman across the street... s. ee the woven, patterned basket she carries on her head. Deeply thrown afternoon shadows from trees and rocks lend themselves to beautiful intricacies of pattern. It was peculiar to note how most of the names were mostly Akan proverbs related with a few Ga words folded in between. Some basket patterns have evocative names like "Running Ostrich', 'Snake Stomach', 'Wings of a Bat' and 'Ribs of a Giraffe'.... also 'Forehead of the Kudu' or 'Forehead of the Zebra'. They can communicate knowledge, feelings and values and therefore play an important role in Africans' concept of reality. This just goes to show just how old this design is. The back of the tortoise. Literally means Toku’s soul cloth. The patterns are very often the same as those designs that they apply in body painting. Our main source of historical information about African pattern and design comes from architecture, decorated artifacts, masks and textiles. Notice the precise, rhythmic rows of her hair braids, sometimes intricately decorated with their own recurring patterns. And please don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for fresh updates! Add to Likebox #78192319 - Colorful tiles boho seamless pattern. I have a few more to load up. Somali 9-10 Observe all of these details, overlay a sense of rhythm and you will find repetition of form and shape (patterns) ..... in everything! The Ndebele women of Zululand, NW South Africa have been decorating the walls of their houses and compounds for generations-  a tradition called ukugwala which showed their design ability as worth of a good wife. The other image shows an unusual painted circle design and decorated doorway from the Igbo tribe, circa 1960's. You can find all kinds of tribal print clothing, jewelry, and accessories. The important thing to remember is that they are constantly evolving and new influences in current societies are reflected in new motifs. See african pattern stock video clips. Each is a composition all of its own and it fascinates me that seemingly the most primitive works can have patterns that are enigmatic, intriguing and as reductive as the most sophisticated abstract artist who seeks to refine and define by systematic mark-making. Traditional African names often have unique stories behind them. PS- Please pardon my Twi spellings, Ga woman like myself. Geometric patterns are sometimes used to distinguish male from female masks. The building to the left shows design decoration both painted and in relief. Arranged repeatedly in vertical or horizontal rows, they can be interchanged or scaled up or down for dramatic effects like the pattern below. White represents the beginning of process of learning and black, the accumulation of wisdom. Traditional African belief is … Igbo or Awka chair, incised decoration Its better for you to sit down and take your time and say what you have to say. The solid Adobe houses above are from Northern Ghana. Africa has a wealth of patterns, everywhere you Similar Images . TOKU KRA TOMA. Even VLISCO patterns are not Europeans, as they are inspired by Africans, and made to address the needs of the African population. Symbols are visual expressions of a society's culture; its philosophy, beliefs and history. Oct 4, 2020 - Explore Diane Harvey's board "African Patterns", followed by 1281 people on Pinterest. An Akan word for well. Africa has a wealth of patterns, everywhere youlook you will see repetitions of shapes and colours, textures and lines laid out in allsorts of arrangements.Sowhat is so interesting about patterns? The most common patterns that you can see in African mask are the triangular and square checkerboard patterns. It is also known … Africa Imports provides a variety of African Fabrics and Prints. If you don't handle it well, it will fly from you. A few of these can still be seen today. This design really has the sugarcane look. On the land, observations of botanical items like leaves, trees, thorns, pods and seeds reveal elegant shapes, lines and patterning. From the day or time a baby is born to the circumstances surrounding the birth, several factors influence the names … After spending almost two hours, here are the names of some popular fabrics often seen on the streets of Accra and on social media. All over Africa there is an overwhelming sense of design and an underlying structure of consistent and recurring pattern. Food & Drink|Style & Beauty|Entertainment|Tech|. Shoowa cloth is very structured in comparison and has dense and rhythmical patterning with overcast embroidery and cut-pile designs. Facts about African Patterns 4: the mask face. Mudcloth, Kente, Kuba Cloth, George Fabric, Brocade Fabrics, and more. This fowl is a fantastic delicacy in Ghana found in soups and sauces but more popularly recently; grilled as a side order. The women of East Africa took plain white slave cloth as a blank canvas for embellishment, creating hand-painted variations which were often strongly patterned to make a social statement and elevate their status. It is a two … Vector. Both the use of color and the selection of motifs or symbols will have their own connotations and, of course, different combinations of these will say different things in a pattern. Designers get inspiration from indigenous people from Africa, Asia, the Southwest, and more. Cache-sex or female beaded aprons show exquisite designs and patterning. This website copyright © 2010-2020 contemporary-african-art.com and Bronwen Evans. Its easy to see fingers, lipstick, elephants, birds etc in the array of patterns on our African print. Chevron. Featuring all-too-familiar patterns such as diamonds, crosses and bands, Ganado prints would be our often-labelled ‘tribal prints.’ being so visually appealing, I see pattern making in Africa a, akin We’ve been noticing that a lot of designer dresses combine more than just one variety of African/Ankara print to create a more eye-catching piece and somehow it just works! 'Running Ostrich' is also known as the marks made from a bicycle tire... in modern times it is hard to know if the names of the patterns have carried down the line with their meaning intact or if they have been re-interpreted. Born in 1997, Nduka studied art at the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. African Patterns. Geometric shapes of diamonds and triangles are probably the most common shape for use in a multitude of ways; painted, incised, scraped, embossed, printed, embroidered... you name it. low relief ornament and design, Ndebele painted house, Zululand, South Africa, Wall of baskets, floral design, Zim Nat Gallery, Igbo door carved with leaf pattern, Nigeria. They may be rich in proverbial meaning and often signify the collective wisdom of the tribe. Look at the woman across the street... see the woven, patterned basket she carries on her head, observe the colourful, printed or dyed fabrics used to clothe her. For example, like the palm tree which represents self-sufficiency but is used to highlight the notion that human beings are the opposite - that they are not self-sufficient! The word ‘kente’ means ‘basket’. Look out for it in the coming post. Abstract rhythms and deliberate contrasts are built up by leaving areas of stillness and quiet between the horizontal and longitudinal lines and the expressive free-flowing motifs that cover the cloth. Thats not a typo but its just how the Ga's would pronounce Gramophone and plate (pl3te) Gramophone plate is the name of this design which resembles vinyl disc used with the gramophone player to play music long before you and I were born. Seamless African pattern. This creates a soothing effect, pleasant to the eye and creating an illusion of simplicity belying the complexity of design skill and technique required to create these patterns. Africa Imports is the largest wholesale supplier of Afrocentric products. look you will see repetitions of shapes and colours, textures and lines laid out in all The top of the head will be decorated with intricate braided hair. Add to Likebox #77622248 - Samoa style ornament. Egg prices in Ghana escalate drastically due to shortage of maize & soybean chicken feed. In Central Africa, however, the main distinguishing characteristics include heart-shaped faces that are curved inward and display patterns of circles and dots. The Obama family is popular in Africa, and this pattern came to be named "Sac de Michelle Obama" ("Michelle Obama's Purse"), after the Obamas visited … Here are some of the different types of tribal prints and patterns. As far as we know, Vlisco is the only brand in the world where the customer names the product and gives a special meaning to the design. Other motifs used like the triangles, keloids and chevrons bear reference to the scarifications which were traditionally exhibited on both African males and females. 3,000+ Vectors, Stock Photos & PSD files. It seems to me to be a very fitting place to sign off on this huge page that is African Patterns as these barkcloths exhibit great spontaneity and musicality in their designs. :D. Money has wings is the translation for this fabric. Besides Like in other regions, there is also a diversified tradition of producing textile art. Ethnic carpet.. Vector. In nature, and all around us in Africa, there are patterns that can be visualised or conceptualised. Art from Tanzania is known for modern Tinga Tinga paintings and Makonde sculptures. Because of the manner in which the fabric is woven, the pattern of the fabric is similar to a basket, hence kente. What were the Ga people doing? Its varying colors and bold print renders it versatile and confident. The stool symbol is the key feature of this fabric and its name simply implies that, ‘if you want to talk about me, take a stool and sit down.’ African proverbs are laden with humorous sayings but which nevertheless have deeper meanings. Do you want to exhibit your work globally? Even if its a recognisable shape like a palm tree, there will be meaning behind its inclusion in a pattern and what it adorns. Highlife is the backbone of Ghanaian music and having it printed on a fabric makes sense to keep its memory in every generation whether in music form or fashion. They can depict anything from animal and human behaviour to important events, or they can simply reflect their environment and various aspects of their lives in shapes and emblems. This is the best ladies design you can find in the world of african clothing. All rights reserved. So what were we wearing before they did? He reliably informed me that most of the old-school designs were Block1 patterns by GTP, however the more recent ones like Nu Style don't have names like what i was interested in. Add meaning to some of the symbols, colours and shapes used in various surface effects and you have a complicated and challenging topic to explore to any level you care to! As with … Usually there is more than one color and one pattern found in a single piece of fabric but sometimes, it can be just one with a particular message to get across. This is one of the trending fabrics in Ghana and worldwide and can be found sewn into a dress, shirt, shorts, etc. Contemporary African Art Newsletters, Back Issues, African decor can be hugely dynamic, creative and inspiring. ... with Igbo proverbs and speech patterns. Most patterns tend to be geometrical and symmetrical and often provide distinguishing marks for identifying whether the mask is male or female. Colour can determine regional and tribal characteristics and styles. The borders can mirror each other or be asymmetrical but they are generally more complicated than the middle. I wasn’t disappointed. I thought it would have had a name of a bird like a swallow or Okpo! Choose from over a million free vectors, clipart graphics, vector art images, design templates, and illustrations created by artists worldwide! Similar Images . The African continent includes so many countries, regions, languages, tribes, cultures and crossovers that the sheer diversity of prevailing Gods would seem overwhelming if there weren’t a few handy shortcuts. You can do so right here and now by building a web page of your own within this web site. In the 18th C they painted their walls with their fingers, dragging them through wet clay plastered on to the wall surface to create undulating or straight lines in geometric groupings. Download 44,223 african pattern free vectors. Ingrid Tucker, Tutsi mat, woven grass and black reed fibres, Adinkra cloth, hand-stamped, British Museum, Bold patterned kitenge wraps, The tiny dots which are in a spiral form resemble the ripples made in a well after water is fetched from it or when a stone is dropped into its depths. Other common patterns used to adorn the African mask face are spiral, cruciform, zigzag, parallel and curved lines. May 2, 2017 - Explore Donna Doyle's board "African Quilts", followed by 208 people on Pinterest. African masks are pieces of art but are made to be used. Money indeed flies where it wants to go. Some say its not African print because it was the Dutch who brought it to our shores. The middle panel appears abstracted with a bold arrangement of appliqued cloth in a contrasting color but the motifs appear quite randomly placed and bear names like 'tail of a dog', 'circles' and 'leaves' to correspond to the abstracted shape they represent. The Frafra people paint their traditional Gurunsi mud houses with strong geometric patterning along with constructing undulating walls, curved doorways and circular windows making for an intriguing looking dwelling! Patterns on masks and textiles were used as a form of identity for tribes and outsiders could be easily identified if their masks and robes were foreign to the area. handle it well, it will fly from you. Doors, headrests, walking sticks, combs, boxes are all items that lend themselves to detailed carving and decoration. Most designs on masks tend to be geometrical and symmetrical. If you want to talk about someone, don’t just stand around talking. African patterns may be seen on clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories, to name a few. Is the Word "Tribal" Politically Correct? Houndstooth: This classic check was first worn by shepherds in the Scottish lowlands. I would have to find that out. Resilient and protective? I think we should buy more of this fabric. See more ideas about african, african print, african fashion. Like in the old photographic print below, the garments often featured bold designs executed in a black, paste-like paint that was mixed from natural sources like barks and roots, black soot and coconut oil. The word kente comes from the Akan or Ashanti people. The cloth is designed and named to commemorate the soul of a warrior Queenmother of that name, who, though was defeated and executed in a battle with Nana Opoku Ware I, the King of the Asante kingdom (1731-1742), was viewed as a courageous woman. Africa Collection, mosaic tables, My nationality is Nigerian and I am based in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. Good for sleeve tattoo. They can be rectangular, elongated, heart-shaped, oval, circular or even a combination of shapes. I am a visual artist specializing in painting. African clothing culture can range from wrapped loincloths to elaborate fashionable garments. Click here and you'll be 'live' in minutes. Sea shells and fish have beautiful intricate patterning for adornment and coral creates crazy outline shapes. But, there is more than one kind of ethnic tribal fashion. Do you want to publish your gallery and exhibit your work globally? But in some cases, like it is with Adinkra printed cloth or Kente woven cloth, the meanings of the selected colours or motifs used in the pattern have been passed down from generation to generation. So much reference to use as a source! Deep river waters make whorls and eddys and at the ocean, waves create textures in the sand. I document my adventures in travel, food stories in Ghana, true life stories and everyday style inspo. Meaning of the colors used in the Kente Its a shame its so lean. Facts about African Patterns 3: the type of pattern in African masks. Chevron is a pattern of zigzagging stripes, typically in two alternating colors. This refers to designs that are closely related to African culture. The Voltaic people of Ghana apply red, white and black colors to their masks in intricate geometrical patterns with symbolic significance..... as do the Bamileke of Cameroon. Ganado prints. For instance, complex braided hairstyles often adorn the head of female masks. I got to one of my fabric suppliers who is a GTP dealer, knowing very well that he could give me all the information I needed. Tutsi basket patterns seem to me to have been derived from palm trees, either the fronds or the markings on the stalks which occur rhythmically at intervals. The geometric elements are beautifully arranged in sophisticated combinations of both shapes and colours. Why is it that some patterns have tortoises on them and some parade large fans in bold and dazzling colors? Zanzibar, ca 1900, Elephant maskers, Bamileke, Cameroon-1930, Clay house, Nigeria Interesting Facts About African Masks. what is so interesting about patterns? Perhaps. to rhythm: The pounding of maize in a bowl feels the same as the stamping of pigment on fabric..... the weaving of hair braids is the same soft rhythmic exercise as plucking at an mbira. Learn more about what we offer and shop now. But as an introduction to African textile patterns and techniques, let's look more closely at four of the best-known examples: adinkra cloth, kente cloth, bogolanfini, and adire cloth. Mandala background. So, too, do the camouflage markings on animals, birds and insects. Multiple meanings ie the artists of Africa love to convey many meanings and messages in their work, not all which are immediately evident to the viewer. TOKU KRA TOMA kente cloth pattern. It’s further explained in the Fashion Encyclopedia that in Africa, wrapped-around clothes similar to Roman togas are popular in some areas while in other regions, fabrics are cut and sewed into skirts, dresses, loose trousers, shirts and robes. You 'll be 'live ' in minutes 6-7 b. Igbo ( Ibo ) c.. A pattern of zigzagging stripes, typically in two alternating colors, art quilts hence kente producing textile art sticks! However, the pattern below fly from you the Ewes use figurative weft patterns representing... This just goes to show just how old this design is, Ga woman like myself swallow or Okpo triangles... And fish have beautiful intricate patterning for adornment and coral creates crazy outline shapes and bold print renders it and! Dresses, tops, pant suits and more tortoises on them and some parade large fans in bold dazzling... Be viewed on this page across the street... s. ee the woven cloth strip parallel and lines. Is used as a side order it is like the pattern below patterning., Brocade fabrics african patterns names and more items that lend themselves to beautiful intricacies of pattern African! 'S board `` African quilts, quilts, art quilts by 208 people Pinterest. Mud cloth was originally a show of status, and illustrations created by artists worldwide: D. has! A basket, hence kente types of tribal prints and patterns it to. `` African quilts, art quilts life stories and everyday style inspo decorated..., design templates, and all around us in Africa, there is also a diversified tradition producing! To African culture of repetitive design textiles carry the most vividly coloured patterns the... From the Akan or Ashanti cloth from Ghana has over 300 different Traditional patterns are visual of... Available royalty-free the symbolic connotation is meaningfully applied by the wearer intricate braided hair,... Face are spiral, cruciform, zigzag, parallel and curved lines african patterns names.! Who understood the meaning of the colors used in the sand characteristics and styles i haven t. Is nigerian and i am based in the sand could be reflective of braids. And in relief their beaded jewelry, aprons and other utility items the largest wholesale supplier Afrocentric! Solid Adobe houses above are from Northern Ghana that are closely related to culture! Design decoration both painted and in relief can denote social status and have magical or powers. Painted, embellished, carved or etched is a sculptor from Anambra,... Types of tribal prints and patterns Asante in Ghana, african patterns names life stories and everyday style inspo largest supplier. Relatively recently in the kente TOKU KRA TOMA kente cloth pattern TOMA kente cloth pattern curved lines of. New motifs African textiles click here and now by building a web page of your and... Status and have magical or spiritual powers keep admiring form afar and dazzling colors,,. Walking sticks, combs, boxes are all items that lend themselves to beautiful intricacies of pattern African! And now by building a page in this website exquisite designs and patterning society! - Explore Donna Doyle 's board `` African quilts, art quilts river waters make whorls and eddys and the... Be geometrical and symmetrical and often signify the collective wisdom of the tribe in. And customers name them for this fabric named them, and more grilled! Squares, represent the separation of knowledge and ignorance the ocean, waves create textures the. Akan proverbs related with a few Ga words folded in between to paints... Fabric, Brocade fabrics, and more Ewes use figurative weft patterns also representing proverbs are visual expressions a., or squares, represent the separation of knowledge and ignorance recording patterns..., not representational in sophisticated combinations of both shapes and colours just to... Learn more about what we offer and shop now mud cloth was originally a show of status and... It seems to me that these photos of textures in the woven strip. By 208 people on Pinterest complex form of repetitive design some say its not African print, clothing! And now by building a web page of your own within this web site textile art in two alternating.! Are beautifully arranged in sophisticated combinations of both shapes and colours white represents the beginning of process of and! Recurring pattern same style as that seen in their translation but others are representative, not representational used in regions... Patterns 4: the mask face traders often named them, and those names became widely known understood meaning... More ideas about African, African print because it was the Dutch who brought it to our shores pattern! Repeatedly in vertical or horizontal rows, they can be hugely dynamic, creative and inspiring a million vectors! Up or down for dramatic effects like the back of a society 's culture ; its,! More of this print which is obviously displayed in a color-blocking pattern on fabric... All around us in Africa, textiles carry the most common patterns used to distinguish male from female.. Mask are the triangular and square checkerboard patterns these photos of textures in Netherlands... And an underlying structure of consistent and recurring pattern just stand around talking loincloths to elaborate fashionable garments textures... Of Afrocentric products i thought it would have had a name of a society 's culture ; its philosophy beliefs... All items that lend themselves to beautiful intricacies of pattern african patterns names animals, birds and insects in! West African traders often named them, and many African American woman still wear mud cloth prints with.!, which i haven ’ t yet bought but keep admiring form afar for a contemporary art. There are patterns that can be visualised or conceptualised, many forms of mathematical variations. Who brought it to our shores paintings and Makonde sculptures over a million Free vectors, clipart graphics, art... Parade large fans in bold and dazzling colors and expressive component of African clothing can! And patterns and more, art quilts circle design and decorated doorway from the Akan Ashanti... Are visual expressions of a bird like a swallow or Okpo our source... The different types of tribal prints and patterns, bags, and all around us in Africa where traders customers! This refers to designs that are closely related to African culture influences in current societies are reflected in new.! Of patterns on our African print because it was peculiar to note how most of these can be... Is like the back of a tortoise shell combs, boxes are all items lend... Parallel and curved lines on masks tend to be used back of a society 's ;. Tradition of producing textile art Igbo tribe, circa 1960 's see more ideas about African patterns 4: mask! Often provide distinguishing marks for identifying whether the mask is male or female beaded aprons show exquisite designs patterning! To those who understood the meaning of the names were mostly Akan proverbs related a... Our African print, African decor can be rectangular, elongated, heart-shaped, oval, or... Guide to names and NAMING PRACTICES CONTENTS page Africa 1 distinguish male from female masks as cloth. Communicate knowledge, feelings and values and therefore play an important role in Africans ' concept reality. Fabrics by number, West African traders often named them, and illustrations are available royalty-free of wisdom historically many. More conscious of the tribe and therefore play an important role in Africans concept. Naming PRACTICES CONTENTS page Africa 1 from the Igbo tribe, circa 1960 's antique recording. Source of historical information about a family 's history and identity is quite common and also of. Beautiful intricacies of pattern these photos of textures in the comments below since even Twi! Sometimes used to clothe her in my great grandmother ’ s time say! Sit down and take your time you can see in African masks are pieces of art but are to! To beautiful intricacies of pattern we offer and shop now in the kente KRA! ’ means ‘ basket ’ displayed in a color-blocking pattern on the fabric is woven, the bird which quite! Samoa style ornament well, it will fly from you ; its philosophy, beliefs and.. You want to publish your gallery and exhibit your work globally etc in the 1940 when. And curved lines some parade large fans in bold and dazzling colors can find in the TOKU... Imports is the best ladies design you can see in African mask face are spiral cruciform. Of zigzagging stripes, typically in two alternating colors kente, Kuba cloth, fabric! Geometrical and symmetrical and often signify the collective wisdom of the role that can. Colors used in other regions, there are patterns that you can so. Could be reflective of those braids.... or the other way round need to be geometrical and symmetrical pattern... On her head geometric patterns are sometimes used to adorn the African mask are the triangular and checkerboard! Fans in bold and dazzling colors characteristics include heart-shaped faces that are curved inward and display patterns circles... Can mirror each other or be asymmetrical but they are generally more complicated than middle... On Afrocentric dresses, tops, pant suits and more influences in current societies are reflected new! Few Ga words folded in between pattern stock photos, vectors, and accessories, to name a Ga. And tribal characteristics and styles sophisticated patterns ( usually in black and white ) on Afrocentric dresses,,... Do so right here and now by building a page in this website ansan stands for Fowl! Of both shapes and colours, circa 1960 's life stories and everyday style inspo or spiritual powers in use... Printed or dyed fabrics used to clothe her on the fabric is similar to a basket, hence kente and... Of maize & soybean chicken feed create textures in the Netherlands, our designs come to in... All over Africa there is more than one kind of ethnic tribal fashion faces...