What do Michelle Obama’s purses, large chickens, and drought all have in common? They’ve all inspired African batik fabrics. Originally designed in the Dutch East Indies, these fabrics are now designed and printed commercially in Holland and sold – to a very enthusiastic market – along the coast of Africa.
You can learn all about it at the current exhibit, “Wandering Spirit,” on display at the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts, in Melbourne, FL.
The fabrics, along with garments made from them, are displayed beautifully. Most of the patterns are large, with strong contrasts, and vivid colors.
I attended a gallery walk lead by Dr. Gifty Benson, who is an expert from Ghana. She explained that the fabric patterns each have distinctive names: horse hair, bad year (after a drought,) Happy Family (of chickens,) and such. Even more interesting, special patterns are created to celebrate or commemorate notable events and people. For instance, in 2008 several patterns were designed to honor Barack and Michelle Obama: 6 patterns for him and 2 for her.
The fabric shown here is called “Michelle Obama’s Bags.” Can you see them?
There was another one called “Michelle Obama’s shoes,” which was printed with high heels.
This yellow dress was my favorite.
Check out the sleeves. Aren’t they interesting?
These fabrics are sold in 6 yard lengths. Buyers then cut them into 2 yard lengths and use two of the resulting pieces for a skirt, and a top. The third piece is often simply hemmed to be used as a shawl or a head wrap. (Or maybe some fancy sleeves.) You can see some examples of how the three pieces were used in the garments below.
Dr. Benson said that the release of new patterns is eagerly anticipated, because the women “just love them!” I’ll be they do have some fun planning how to make these garments.
I’m still thinking about the choice to honor Michelle Obama with prints about her shoes and her purses. It made me wonder what sort of prints would honor/depict me? How do you depict an outgoing chatterbox? Some big lips, maybe? A jumble of alphabet letters? It’s kinda fun to think about.
Ellen Lindner
Great summary of what we learned at the gallery walk, and beautiful photos. You should share this with Carla – great publicity!
Thanks. Good idea.
I would depict you with scissors and spools of thread on multiple, colorful prints.
So sorry I cannot see this exhibit. I visited Ghana and brought back some fabric, (could have loaded many bags with it ) and still have one untouched length I handle now and then but can’t cut into yet! These clothes are gorgeous, thanks for sharing.
The “colorful prints” part is definitely correct, Cindy! I’ll bet you LOVED buying those prints! I know I would have, although it would be challenging for me to use them.
I love these fabrics!
Aren’t they cool? And the names are as interesting as the patterns.