Discover African Art

November 15, 2020

What do you think of when you hear the word art? While most people think of paintings like The Starry Night or Mona Lisa, we have come to think of art in a much broader view. Figural things things like carvings, masks, textiles and even furniture are someones pieces of artwork. Many of the knowledge and skills used to create these artworks have been passed down through generations, making them even more intriguing. 

In Africa, many artists are taught from the time they are children how to create the masterpieces you see today. Statues that are created to house a loved ones spirit, or an architectural post that is carved to support a religious dwelling. The time and effort and creativity that these artists put into their work is absolutely amazing. What’s even more, the majority of these pieces are created for a purpose.  

If you would like to learn more about African tribal art or to make a purchase, visit discoverafricanart.com 

The Story of Kitenge - African Wax Print Fabrics

In this blog, we discover what kitenge is, where it originates from and how you can bring colour into your life by wearing kitenge.

Kitenge, an East African Heritage

Kitenge is the Kiswahili word for African wax print fabric that is commonly used in East Africa. However, did you know that the fabrics actually originate from Indonesia? The colourful fabrics were imported by African soldiers working in the country at the time and now are produced in countries across the world.

African women often use the fabric to wrap round their chest or waist or use it as a headscarf or baby sling however is increasingly used to make stylish pieces of clothing.

The versatile fabric is 100% cotton, which means you stay cool in hot climates and warm in cold climates whilst the fabrics have become associated with African culture due to their vibrancy, patterns and hidden meanings. Wearers often wear the beautiful wax fabric to convey meaning and social status or as a symbol during local traditions such as marriage.

The Many Uses and Meanings of Kitenge

The fabric can be used to make various types of African print clothing including dresses, shirts, skirts and trousers. The clothing and fabric can be used for many occasions either symbolically or for practical reasons. Here are just a few of the uses and reasons;

1. In Malawi, Kitenge is customary for women at funerals.
2. In Kenya, the Kitenge festival is a popular event held periodically and is meant to highlight the varied uses of Kitenge fabric.
3. They are used as a sling to hold a baby across the back of a mother. They can hold the baby at the front as well, particularly when breastfeeding.
4. Vitenge (pl) are given as gifts to young women by friends and relatives.
5. They are sometimes tied together and used as decorative pieces at dinner tables.
6. When women go to the beach, often the Kitenge is wrapped around the bathing suit for modesty or to shield cold air. They are also useful when getting changed and can be used as a towel and blanket to sit on.
7. Women often wear kitenge wrapped around their waist like an apron when cooking, washing clothes and cleaning.
8. Women also wear kitenge wrapped around their body when they go to the bathroom to have a shower and for sleeping in.

Express Your Style in Kitenge

African Wax Print Fabrics come in a range of vibrant colours and any clothing you wear which has been designed using this fabric is sure to attract the right sort of attention in a crowd.

Not only will Kitenge brighten up your life but wearing Kitenge can say a lot about your style and who you are as a person through the bold and funky designs.

Head over to KitengeStore.com to make your purchase today!

Read more about the best African style interior designs for your home or workplace to complement any of your Kitenge purchases.