A brief history of Dutch wax prints
A brief history of Dutch wax prints
In the early days, according to Vlisco, a leading a wax print manufacturer, they accepted commissions from wealthy Africans who wanted prints that depicted local folklaw, symbols and colours. The popularity of these local designs helped to boost the wax print industry into a very lucrative trade.
Traditional designs of Dutch wax prints either have literal meanings or depict local customs, beliefs or proverbs in pictorial form. Some designs are commissioned to celebrate a special event or even show solidarity to a political moment. The designs push the boundaries of colour and fizz with extremes: vivid dramatic colours against bold / abstract / geometric or figurative designs. Some designs were held in such regard they became part of a dowry package or became celebrated Dutch wax "classics".
The Dutch eventually went on to create their own designs, but it is the early African influence that played an important role in the classic wax print designs we still enjoy.
Today, the best, most authentic African prints are still to be found in Ghana. They form part of the oral tradition and have a direct connection to locality. It is a tradition that is distinctly unique to the African heritage and one that should always be celebrated.
Main photos: Anna Fayemi - styling: Stéphanie Moussé - hair and make up: Sandra Bermingham - model: Sherene McNichols
Africaninsider.com
www.educationscotland.gov.uk/higherscottishhistory/migrationandempire
“code Noir” http://jshc.org/emergence-of-the-martiniquan-gwan-wob/
http://www.academia.edu/5850952/AN_ANALYSIS_OF_SELECTED_GHANAIAN_WAX_PRINTS
EK Howard - Symbolic significance of Arican Prints: A dying phenonmenon in contemporary print designs in Ghana
Vlisco
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