TOP 10 DES TISSUS ETHNIQUES AFRICAINS LES PLUS POPULAIRES

TOP 10 MOST POPULAR AFRICAN ETHNIC FABRICS While African fashion has certainly been booming for the past few years, and this is a source of pride for the continent because it's a golden opportunity to showcase the richness of its sense of style, a misconception that deserves correction still persists when discussing its textiles. It's true that most of the time when African textiles are mentioned, the focus is inevitably on Ankara fabric, which, of European origin and inspired by Batik, has taken the continent by storm, to the point of becoming a symbol of identity, even inspiring celebrities like Beyoncé. Therefore, it's only right to give fabrics of truly African origin the recognition they deserve by offering you a list of the most popular among them. Get your sarongs ready and let's go! 10) THE MADAGASCAR LAMBA: Its full name is "lambahoany," which literally translates to "fabric." It is the quintessential Malagasy textile. It is worn by both men and women, without gender distinction, and is very often exchanged by engaged couples during the wedding ceremony. Despite the fact that it is worn differently depending on whether it is worn by a woman or a man, it is not discriminatory. A particular feature of its wearing is that when it is worn over the shoulders, if it hangs down on the right side, it signifies mourning among the wearer's family and friends. 9) THE SAMAKAKA OF ANGOLA: Originating in Angola, it is composed of very bright colors including red, yellow, white, and black. The red symbolizes the blood shed during the anti-colonial struggle, and the yellow symbolizes the country's wealth. It is worn by the Mumuila people living in southern Angola, primarily used to cover the private parts and carry heavy objects. 8) THE ASO OKE OF THE YORUBA: A fabric worn for centuries by the Yoruba people from Nigeria to Benin, it means "overgarment," describing a festive garment. Woven from generation to generation to make blouses called "Abgada" for men, accompanied by matching hats, and outfits for women accompanied by scarves called "Gélé," this textile has become very popular in wedding ceremonies, to the point where its production has been improved to make it lighter and more malleable. There are several types of Aso oke, including "sanyan," "alaari," and "Etu." 7) KORHOGO FABRIC FROM IVORY COAST: Originating from the Senufo lands in Ivory Coast, this fabric is a blend of weaving patterns and the ingenuity of this people. These patterns often depict livestock or silhouettes, hence its unique appearance. These patterns are often used as symbols for initiation rites in Korhogo. 6) THE KABYLE ATTIRE OF NORTH AFRICA: Also called Berber or Amazigh attire, this garment is worn by Berber women in North Africa. Whether in Morocco or Algeria, it is often worn during wedding or engagement ceremonies, covering most of the body, accompanied by necklaces around the neck and head. Depending on customs, the fabric can be dark or bright in color. 5) THE ALINDI FABRIC OF SOMALIA: This is one of the most popular fabrics in Somalia, made from wool, vegetable dyes, and threads often imported from India. These elements are woven to create a soft-to-the-touch fabric, worn on special occasions. It is a symbol of beauty and elegance, and is cared for like cotton fabric, provided that bleach is not used in the wash. 4) SOUTH AFRICA'S SHWESHWE: Very popular among young South Africans today, the story goes that it arrived in the country in 1840 with French missionaries, who presented this colorful fabric to the Sotho chief Moshoeshoe. He, appreciating its beauty, gave it his name. It is also said that the name comes from the sound (shudder shudder) it makes when worn. Today, this fabric has conquered the entire Rainbow Nation and is used in many different fields.