Mudcloth or Bògòlanfini
Originating from Mali’s Bamana culture, Mudcloth is an ancient art form that involves weaving cloth and dyeing it with fermented mud. Women are wrapped in bògòlanfini after their initiation into adulthood and immediately after childbirth, as the cloth is believed to have the power to absorb the dangerous forces released under such circumstances.
Kente Cloth
Kente cloth is the quintessential African look. It is a vibrant fabric, woven into long 3- to 4-inch-wide panels. Several panels can be sewn together to make clothing for both men and women. The patterns created by the brightly colored threads often represent common motifs, religious beliefs, and political commentary. The colors are of particular significance as they interpret the meaning of the pattern, with red symbolizing death, green meaning fertility, white expressing purity and blue signifying love.
Emancipation Day/Week, you or others you know may be celebrating by wearing traditional African garments to church or other events. Wearing African clothing is a wonderful way for many to celebrate their culture and their heritage and to commemorate the beauty of the motherland. Wearing African clothing means so much more to many people than simply being a fashion statement. Tailors don’t make clothes simply for appearance sake; each symbol, color, and even the shape of the clothing can have a very specific purpose or meaning. African clothing can be a symbol of status, creativity and allegiance to tribal roots