The African Wax fabrics are sometimes worn to be used as a method of non-verbal communication and expression due to their well-known hidden meanings. The colours and symbols used in each print design can symbolise a tribe, marriage and social status of the wearer. It could mean very sweet and lovely or a something could insult their husbands at a breakfast table!
I found this fact very fascinating, so would like to introduce meanings of some of our popular prints.
1. Sugar Canes
These sugar cane patterns has a meaning of that the wearer is as sweet as sugar cane, “I love you like sugar canes.” Loving the little one is as easy as sugar canes, indeed!
2. Rings / Chains
“Abankawa” means “government ring”, and it serves as a reminder to people about the laws and punishment of offenders.
The design of motif is a pair of metal rings or chain joined together. Traditionally, ring symbolises honour and dignity however some rings are meant to dishonour people who offend the law, as the chains fastening around the wrist of a prisoner, serving as a warning for offenders. The design reminds people of law and justice.
So my interpretation would be “Crime and Punishment” or “Trapping lovers”…?! They have been appearing a lot in our home wears and adults’ clothings, but somehow wasn’t being used much for kids’ clothings and I’m kind of glad… ! They look so fabulous though despite the heavy meaning that we have them everywhere in our home.
3. Fans
When electrical fans were introduced to Africa in the 1980s, they appeared on wax print as signs of modernity (as did mobile phones). Now, as fans are only bought by those without air-conditioning, the meaning has changed. “It is casual. You’ve got chairs, table, so what, there’s no point,” the author says.
It’s interesting that the meaning changes as time goes by. They look so cool and very old-school, and icons are still loved by retro and vintage lovers and could also be a pop art design..?
4. Michelle Obama’s handbag
Some designs take on famous names. This one, the heart of Barrack Obama named after Michelle Obama when her husband first became the president of the United States in 2008. The basic translation is “You cannot afford to be Michelle Obama or buy the same bag as she carries, but because you can buy the pattern on wax print it’s like you’re part of it”.
However, the connection to Obama was in fact, accidental. “Vlisco just designed a motif of nice handbags, then the African market said, 'Wow, we should make a connection between Michelle Obama and the handbag”. Made from Super Wax, which is softer, thinner and has an extra colour, wearing this more expensive fabric symbolises prestige.
We used for the linings of some dungarees for the Christmas market, as they had not only handbags, but also candles, high heels and presents with ribbons!