STYLE ESSENTIALS: THE ANKARA

The Ankara (African Prints Fabric) is a style essential for all African girls from every age bracket.

But what's the origin of the Ankara fabric? Where did the designs of the African Print Fabric (Ankara) originate from, Africa or Europe? 

It is argued that the origin is from Europe. For example, the Dutch Wax Ankara. But what then can one say about the men and women skilled in weaving these fabrics (like the Akwete fabric from the Igbos in Nigeria, the Kente fabric from Ghana, the Barkcloth from Uganda, the Mud cloth from Mali, the Kitenge fabric from Kenya etc.), who were taken as slaves from Africa to work for European masters that were enriched through the skills of their slaves during the slave trade? 

Did they not make any input in the designs of these fabrics which were later brought back to the African market after production? Obviously, I can’t answer these questions.

However, whether or not there are facts to prove that the Ankara fabric is not of African origin, the African woman in me affirms that the Ankara fabric originated from Africa.🤓 

It is so colorful in its reflection of the African heritage. It is so versatile as regards the use to which it can be put to. 

From the making of beautiful dresses, fashion accessories like jewelry, shoes, bags, hats, etc, to the making of decorative pieces for the home like throw pillows, flower vases, blinds, bedsheets, etc.

What more can I say? The African woman's wardrobe is incomplete without an Ankara style item. 

Or what do you say? 

Stay beautiful,

'Zibah.