African Clothing for Men and Women
African clothing is the traditional clothing, often vibrantly colored, worn by the indigenous peoples of Africa. In some instances these traditional garments have been replaced by western clothing introduced by European colonialists.
In Northeastern Africa, particularly in Egypt, styles of traditional dress have been influenced by Middle Eastern culture, this can be exemplified by the simply embroidered Jellabiya which are similarly worn in the Gulf states. The Northwest Africans in contrast, were less influenced by foreign elements and remained more in antiquity. The Djellaba(worn in Northwest Africa) shares similar properties with the Grand boubou, the Dashiki, and the Senegalese kaftan although it is less stylized than the Dashiki.
In Sahelian Africa, the Dashiki, Senegalese kaftan, and the Grand boubou are worn more prominently, though not exclusively (the Bògòlanfini, for instance, is worn in Mali). The Dashiki is highly stylized and is rendered with an ornate V-shaped collar. In contrast the Grand boubou is simpler, even more so than the Djellaba, though the color designs reach impressive proportions, especially among the Tuareg, who are known for their beautifully dyed indigo robes.
In East Africa, the Kanzu is the traditional dress worn by Swahili speaking men. Women wear the Kanga and the Gomesi.
Traditional African Clothing is very colorful and made with intricate detail and workmanship. African Clothing line is made from pure cotton making it comfortable and cool. No two are exactly alike. Using a multi colored design with silver embroidery, these beautiful dresses and Dashiki shirts will be a great addition to your South African clothing collection.
Nigerian Aso-Oke
African Danshiki
The dashiki is a colorful men's garment widely worn in West Africa that covers the top half of the body. It has formal and informal versions and varies from simple draped clothing to fully tailored suits. Traditional female attire is called a caftan, or kaftan. A common form is a loose-fitting pullover garment, with an ornate V-shaped collar, and tailored and embroidered neck and sleeve lines. The informal version is a traditional print or embroidered dashiki. Three formal versions exist. The first type, consists of a dashiki, sokoto (drawstring pants), and a matching kufi. This style is called a dashiki suit or dashiki pant set and it is the attire worn by most grooms during wedding ceremonies. The second version consists of an ankle length shirt, matching kufi, and sokoto. The second style is called a robe or Senegalese kaftan. The third type, is usually only worn by Tribal chiefs, Nigerians, or Muslims, and it consists of a dashiki, and matching pants. A flowing gown is worn over these. This type is called a Grand boubou in various Francophone countries. In the English speaking world, it is called an Agbada, see the Grand boubou article for further information.There are several different styles of dashiki suits available from African clothing stores. The type of shirt included in the set determines the name. The traditional dashiki suit includes a thigh length shirt. The short sleeve, traditional style is preferred by purists. A long dashiki suit includes a shirt that is knee length or longer. However, if the shirt reaches the ankles, it is called a robe or Senegalese kaftan. Finally, the lace dashiki suit includes a shirt made of lace. A hybrid of the dashiki and caftan worn by females is a traditional male dashiki with a western skirt.
African Kaftan
The Kaftan is a colorful women's garment widely worn in West Africa. It has formal and informal versions and varies from simple draped clothing to fully tailored ensembles. The formality of the wrapper depends on the fabric used to create it. The wrapper is called an Iro in the Yoruba language, pronounced EE-roe. The wrapper is usually worn with a matching headscarf or head tie that is called a gele in Yoruba, pronounced gae-lae.[1] A full wrapper ensemble consists of three garments. First, a blouse, called a buba, pronounced boo-bah. Second, a wrap skirt called a wrapper in English or an iro in Yoruba. Third, a headscarf which is called a head tie in English and a gele in Yoruba. Traditional male attire is called a dashiki. A wrapper takes metres of quality fabric. White wrapper sets are worn during wedding ceremonies.The wrapper gained popularity in the West following the black pride movement of the 1960s. It is enjoying a resurgence thanks to African immigration, and the formal wrapper is frequently worn at weddings, graduations and other special occasions. In the UK and North America, a wrapper is also an older term for an informal house garment. Today, words such as housecoat and bathrobe (US) or dressing gown (UK) are usually employed instead. The wrapper is most common in Nigeria. In other countries, the kaftan, also called a boubou is the formal female attire, see National costume.
The traditional African Kaftan or Boubou as originally worn by the West
African men has a female version. African traditional wear for woman has
developed and passed down from ancient Egypt. Cleopatra Queen of Egypt
was famous for her silk kaftans embellished with prints, embroidery,
small mirrors and amulets. Today the traditional African influence in
woman's wear continues with a modern touch.
Fabrics are more commercial but the styling, design, colours and symbols
used in the prints are as important now as they were in ancient Africa.
Bringing power, love and protection to the wearer the traditional
African woman chooses her designs with a purpose
To buy the Travellers Kaftan GO HERE
AFRICAN LINEN PANT SUIT
Traditional African women's wear is popular all around the world. The
casual fit of these pantsuits with their vibrant colors of Africa are
comfortable and exciting to wear.
If you would like to see more of these exciting original African pant suits GO HERE
If you would like to see more of these exciting original African pant suits GO HERE
Tie Dye Kaftans
The tie dyeing technique has been used for traditional African wear for women for thousands of years. The Tauregs ( blue people of the desert) favoured using the indigo plant for dying and the method of tie dyeing spread through Africa for traditional African women's wear. The mystical patterns, symbols and designs are worn with meaning and for fertility. This technique was probably the inspiration for hippie fashion wear and is still popular amongst the younger generation of the 21st century. To buy Tie Dye Kaftans GO HERE
Lapa
The true African tribal Queen, this traditional Traditional African wear for women is favoured in modern fashion wear. The fuller figure and proudly voluptuous character of the true African Queen has carried this flamboyant styling and designs through to modern times. These African queens were thought to have magical powers such as the ability to summon rain. Originally the queen from the Lovedu tribe in South Africa was a rain queen. To buy Lapa designs GO HERE
Royal African Queen
Royal traditional African wear for women: Modern royal queens and traditional African women's wear is more stylish yet has a unique look with the ruffled sleeves and flounced bodice this styling could have been influenced by the South African 'Voer trekkers' or white people that made their way up through Africa in ox wagons bringing with them a western influence. The colours are traditional African women's wear colours and are trimmed with elegant braids. To buy Royal African Queen designs GO HERE
African Necklaces and Bracelets For Men and Women
In the old times African Necklaces and Bracelets was worn as a symbol of wealth and status but now wooden accessories are becoming stylish and trendy.
Wood is mostly associated with furniture, but with creativity, it also features in the world of fashion. There are so many fashionable items with wooden detail and that are versatile. Depending on the design, these accessories can go to office, can be worn on a casual day, and can be used to make an outfit suitable for a cock tail, dinner or any other kind of party.In all cultures, jewelry is an important aspect of fashion. It is made from a variety of materials--usually of whatever resource is deemed valuable by the culture. Jewelry can stand for many things. It can show off your wealth, protect you from evil, keep you one with the earth, or bless you with good fortune, all according to legend, of course. The jewelry of Africa shares those traits with other cultures' jewelry, but it also has a long and interesting past.
Wood is mostly associated with furniture, but with creativity, it also features in the world of fashion. There are so many fashionable items with wooden detail and that are versatile. Depending on the design, these accessories can go to office, can be worn on a casual day, and can be used to make an outfit suitable for a cock tail, dinner or any other kind of party.In all cultures, jewelry is an important aspect of fashion. It is made from a variety of materials--usually of whatever resource is deemed valuable by the culture. Jewelry can stand for many things. It can show off your wealth, protect you from evil, keep you one with the earth, or bless you with good fortune, all according to legend, of course. The jewelry of Africa shares those traits with other cultures' jewelry, but it also has a long and interesting past.
The History of Magical Africa
Africa is where historians and scientists believe, mankind
originated. Plagued by diseases and poverty, today, it is home to some
of the poorest nations of the world. With the world’s focus centered on
it now, the situation is slowly improving and things look brighter for
this magical place than it did ten years or even five years ago.
The best way to develop a nation is to give a boost to its economy. Known for its stupendous wildlife and home to some of the largest forests, Africa has a lot of potential. It is precisely for this reason that industries such as tourism, cottage industry, music and arts are being given a facelift. Efforts are also being made to increase the foreign investment in the continent so as to give a boost to its flagging economy and results are gradually trickling in, in the past few years or so.
Owing to its enigmatic culture unique animal life, the tourism industry is getting the attention it deserves. Besides this the cottage industries of basket weaving, hand woven textiles, wood carvings etc have become very popular all around the world. This has contributed significantly to the improvement Africa’s financial situation.
With things slowly looking up for Africa, hopefully in the near future we will be seeing a continent that will be famous for all the right reasons.
The best way to develop a nation is to give a boost to its economy. Known for its stupendous wildlife and home to some of the largest forests, Africa has a lot of potential. It is precisely for this reason that industries such as tourism, cottage industry, music and arts are being given a facelift. Efforts are also being made to increase the foreign investment in the continent so as to give a boost to its flagging economy and results are gradually trickling in, in the past few years or so.
Owing to its enigmatic culture unique animal life, the tourism industry is getting the attention it deserves. Besides this the cottage industries of basket weaving, hand woven textiles, wood carvings etc have become very popular all around the world. This has contributed significantly to the improvement Africa’s financial situation.
With things slowly looking up for Africa, hopefully in the near future we will be seeing a continent that will be famous for all the right reasons.
Learn More about African Music
African music resonates with life and pulsating rhythm. Its
influence in music the world over, such as the rumba, samba and the
calypso to name a few, cannot be overlooked.
African tribal music has been influenced to a large extent on the local language, environment and factors like population and the culture of the people. Societies functioned under different governing bodies and this was reflected in their music too. The most common of the African musical instruments are the Ennanga, an arched harp, slit drums and the Lamellophone. Some of the musical instruments are on the brink of extinction on account of their waning popularity amongst the newer generations. It is on account of this undeniable fact that the African musical instruments have become collector’s items. The earliest recorded sources of African music are in the form of paintings on rocks.
Africa is an extremely large continent that comprises people of different land and cultures and this is reflected in its diverse music. If you wish to gift African musical instruments made from materials derived from forests and their natural habitats like gourds and animal horns, go ahead and do so, as they make for some excellent gifts and souvenirs.
African tribal music has been influenced to a large extent on the local language, environment and factors like population and the culture of the people. Societies functioned under different governing bodies and this was reflected in their music too. The most common of the African musical instruments are the Ennanga, an arched harp, slit drums and the Lamellophone. Some of the musical instruments are on the brink of extinction on account of their waning popularity amongst the newer generations. It is on account of this undeniable fact that the African musical instruments have become collector’s items. The earliest recorded sources of African music are in the form of paintings on rocks.
Africa is an extremely large continent that comprises people of different land and cultures and this is reflected in its diverse music. If you wish to gift African musical instruments made from materials derived from forests and their natural habitats like gourds and animal horns, go ahead and do so, as they make for some excellent gifts and souvenirs.
The Rich Diversity of African Fashion and Music
African art is a fascinating mixture of the modern and ancient
eras. Their use of feathers and animal skins has inspired the fashion
industry the world over. What is it that makes everything associated
with this huge continent so fascinating for fashion critics and fashion
enthusiasts the world over?
The credit for this goes to the way of life of the African tribal lifestyles. Picture an African tribe and your mind immediately conjures up images of bright colours and vibrant thumping African music. The beauty of the African Tribal fabrics has to be seen to be believed. The creative use of colour and sheer mastery in depicting real-life images with the use of the most primitive methods of weaving fabric is mind-blowing. Such is their beauty and magnetism, that they have reached all corners Africa as well as the fashion capital of the worlds; including Paris and Milan. The 100% cotton fabrics are comfortable enough for you to include in your daily wearable wardrobe too.
If you are interested in knowing what the hype and hoopla of the African fashion is all about, just browse through a site that retails them and you are sure to be mesmerized by their sheer beauty.
The credit for this goes to the way of life of the African tribal lifestyles. Picture an African tribe and your mind immediately conjures up images of bright colours and vibrant thumping African music. The beauty of the African Tribal fabrics has to be seen to be believed. The creative use of colour and sheer mastery in depicting real-life images with the use of the most primitive methods of weaving fabric is mind-blowing. Such is their beauty and magnetism, that they have reached all corners Africa as well as the fashion capital of the worlds; including Paris and Milan. The 100% cotton fabrics are comfortable enough for you to include in your daily wearable wardrobe too.
If you are interested in knowing what the hype and hoopla of the African fashion is all about, just browse through a site that retails them and you are sure to be mesmerized by their sheer beauty.
The Best African Gift Ideas
On some occasions we find it extremely difficult to buy gifts for
some people. This may be on account of their unique tastes, which make
it difficult to find gifts that they will like. Thanks to the various
online sites selling unique articles these days, this exercise does not
have to be as difficult as it used to be.
If you want to gift someone who likes things that are out of the ordinary then have you considered buying them an African relic? Since these relics draw a lot of inspiration from both modern and ancient African art, you might just find something that is very unique. The various items you find in the African gift ideas are The Masai tribe masks, statuettes, mud-cloths, Acacia wood-carvings etc. Some themes for creating such rare pieces of art are drawn from the combination of both animal and human figures, so you are sure to find something out of the ordinary. The modern world is not too familiar with the African tribal culture and anything even remotely pertaining to it is looked upon with utter fascination or awe.
So go ahead and purchase them. You will end up showing the gift receiver how much you care for them by procuring such a unique gift.
If you want to gift someone who likes things that are out of the ordinary then have you considered buying them an African relic? Since these relics draw a lot of inspiration from both modern and ancient African art, you might just find something that is very unique. The various items you find in the African gift ideas are The Masai tribe masks, statuettes, mud-cloths, Acacia wood-carvings etc. Some themes for creating such rare pieces of art are drawn from the combination of both animal and human figures, so you are sure to find something out of the ordinary. The modern world is not too familiar with the African tribal culture and anything even remotely pertaining to it is looked upon with utter fascination or awe.
So go ahead and purchase them. You will end up showing the gift receiver how much you care for them by procuring such a unique gift.
Beautify Your Homes with African Décor
Some of us like to decorate our homes with designs that veer away
from the conventional. One smart way of doing so, is using tribal art
form as the basis of our decorating plans. And what better tribal form
than the fascinating and colourful African Art forms.
If you are looking for ideas to decorate your homes on a true-blood tribal theme, nothing comes close to the fascinating African tribal masks and costumes. You can choose from the wide range of tribal artifacts available. African art has always been fascinated by the human form. An often, misunderstood art form, it has never really received its proper due for the myriad of emotions that are conveyed through the statues and masks that comprise the African Art form. A huge part of it not being as commonly seen in home decors as other conventional tribal arts is the shroud of mysticism that covers it. Once lifted, you can see the intricacies and pure art that has gone into their creation.
If you don’t know where to buy them from, check out a good online site that retails African art. You may like the goods displayed so much that you will not hesitate decorating your house with the most ethereal African Tribal Art relics.
If you are looking for ideas to decorate your homes on a true-blood tribal theme, nothing comes close to the fascinating African tribal masks and costumes. You can choose from the wide range of tribal artifacts available. African art has always been fascinated by the human form. An often, misunderstood art form, it has never really received its proper due for the myriad of emotions that are conveyed through the statues and masks that comprise the African Art form. A huge part of it not being as commonly seen in home decors as other conventional tribal arts is the shroud of mysticism that covers it. Once lifted, you can see the intricacies and pure art that has gone into their creation.
If you don’t know where to buy them from, check out a good online site that retails African art. You may like the goods displayed so much that you will not hesitate decorating your house with the most ethereal African Tribal Art relics.
Traditional African Fashion for Men and Women
There is no doubt that there African fashion has influences
designers around the world for decades. But, have you ever thought of
what traditional African fashion is like? Here is a lowdown on
traditional African fashion for men and women.
African fashion for Men
Traditional African clothes for men are rich in texture and are filled with rich embroidery. They are typically 3 or 4 piece outfits which include a traditional hat, a long sleeved shirt, pants and a traditional Agbada (bubu) which is worn over the shirt. All these pieces have heavy matching embroidery. Such an outfit is typically worn for special occasions like marriage, anniversary, etc.
African Fashion for Women
African fashion for women is wide ranging and tends to differ from region to region. However, in most cases, it tends to include a headgear. Different styles include kaftans, blouse and pants or skirts, dashikis, etc. For special occasions, the material used is heavy and is richly embroidered. For casual wear, the material tends to be light, like cotton and may be tie-dyed.
For both men and women, the color scheme ranges from light, subtle colors to loud and bright colors.
African fashion for Men
Traditional African clothes for men are rich in texture and are filled with rich embroidery. They are typically 3 or 4 piece outfits which include a traditional hat, a long sleeved shirt, pants and a traditional Agbada (bubu) which is worn over the shirt. All these pieces have heavy matching embroidery. Such an outfit is typically worn for special occasions like marriage, anniversary, etc.
African Fashion for Women
African fashion for women is wide ranging and tends to differ from region to region. However, in most cases, it tends to include a headgear. Different styles include kaftans, blouse and pants or skirts, dashikis, etc. For special occasions, the material used is heavy and is richly embroidered. For casual wear, the material tends to be light, like cotton and may be tie-dyed.
For both men and women, the color scheme ranges from light, subtle colors to loud and bright colors.
The Influence of African Music
The history of African music
is vast and varied and so is its influence of genres that are popular
even today. Let’s look at the influence of African music in the world
today as well as some popular African musical instruments.
Influence of African Music
African slaves carried with them the essential rhythms of African music when they were taken to America and from these were born genres like the blues, jazz and rumba. Even though it may not be evident to the casual listener, even rock and rhythm and blues are derivatives of African music beats.
Popular Musical Instruments
African music encompasses a large variety of musical instruments. Of course, one of the most important instruments used in African music is voice, which is modulated to an amazingly vast range. Apart from voice, African music makes use of a lot of rhythm instruments like different types of drums, rattles, gongs, bells, djembes, bougarabu, water drums and talking drums. It also makes use of string instruments and wind instruments as well as different types of xylophones. Even today, most of these instruments are still in use by not just African musicians, but by musicians from around the world.
Influence of African Music
African slaves carried with them the essential rhythms of African music when they were taken to America and from these were born genres like the blues, jazz and rumba. Even though it may not be evident to the casual listener, even rock and rhythm and blues are derivatives of African music beats.
Popular Musical Instruments
African music encompasses a large variety of musical instruments. Of course, one of the most important instruments used in African music is voice, which is modulated to an amazingly vast range. Apart from voice, African music makes use of a lot of rhythm instruments like different types of drums, rattles, gongs, bells, djembes, bougarabu, water drums and talking drums. It also makes use of string instruments and wind instruments as well as different types of xylophones. Even today, most of these instruments are still in use by not just African musicians, but by musicians from around the world.
Explore African History Through Paintings
History of a people can easily be deciphered from the art produced by them. The same is true of African history
and the art produced by the African people. Although African history
can be seen in all African art forms, it is extremely predominant in
African paintings.
European Influence
From relatively recent African history, we see the influence of European painters on African paintings from the period when Africa was colonized by European nations. For instance, we see the tendency towards the picturesque and the sublime in early paintings from South Africa. We see paintings that depict unique African landscape and scenery in vivid colors.
Recent African History
Africa has been undergoing a lot of struggle in the last century. Many countries got their independence from European powers and are in the quest to establish their own unique identity. You can see this aspect of African history depicted in African paintings as well. For instance, in the paintings coming from Mozambique, you can see the progress from European influence to resistance to liberation and finally to the establishment of their national cultural identity. It is fascinating to watch African history unfold in front of one’s eyes though the rich and varied hues of colors.
European Influence
From relatively recent African history, we see the influence of European painters on African paintings from the period when Africa was colonized by European nations. For instance, we see the tendency towards the picturesque and the sublime in early paintings from South Africa. We see paintings that depict unique African landscape and scenery in vivid colors.
Recent African History
Africa has been undergoing a lot of struggle in the last century. Many countries got their independence from European powers and are in the quest to establish their own unique identity. You can see this aspect of African history depicted in African paintings as well. For instance, in the paintings coming from Mozambique, you can see the progress from European influence to resistance to liberation and finally to the establishment of their national cultural identity. It is fascinating to watch African history unfold in front of one’s eyes though the rich and varied hues of colors.
Bring The Wild Into Your Home With African Décor
What is one of the first things that come to your mind when you
think of Africa? The wild animals, of course! How about bringing the
wildness of these animals into your homes with African décor?
Animal Figurines
Art borrows a lot from nature and it is true of African art as well. It is dotted with the natural life that exists in the region. One of the most popular items of African décor is wild animal figurines. These figurines are made from wood, stone, clay, fabric, carved in metals like tin, pewter, etc. These items of African décor not only depict African wildlife but also bring forth the beauty of African art and craftsmanship.
Other Items of Decor
Wild animals can be seen in many other items of African décor apart from just figurines. You can find wild animals in furniture, ornaments, tableware, silverware, jugs and glasses, paper weights, napkin rings, etc. They depict a large number of wild animals in a rich variety of form. So, bring the wild nature that is the heart of Africa into your home with these beautifully and painstakingly handmade items of African décor.
Animal Figurines
Art borrows a lot from nature and it is true of African art as well. It is dotted with the natural life that exists in the region. One of the most popular items of African décor is wild animal figurines. These figurines are made from wood, stone, clay, fabric, carved in metals like tin, pewter, etc. These items of African décor not only depict African wildlife but also bring forth the beauty of African art and craftsmanship.
Other Items of Decor
Wild animals can be seen in many other items of African décor apart from just figurines. You can find wild animals in furniture, ornaments, tableware, silverware, jugs and glasses, paper weights, napkin rings, etc. They depict a large number of wild animals in a rich variety of form. So, bring the wild nature that is the heart of Africa into your home with these beautifully and painstakingly handmade items of African décor.
African Art Gift Items That Will Be Cherished
If you are looking for a gift item, surely you want the recipient to cherish it and appreciate it. Have you thought of buying African art gift items
to give to your loved ones? African art gift items make for some very
thoughtful gifts which will be fondly remembered for a long time to
come.
Gifts for Show
Many people like gifts that they can display. African art gift items are perfect for people like these. African art gift items are rich in history and culture as well as art and craftsmanship. You may want to consider gift items like animal figurines, paintings, sculptures, masks, etc.
Gifts for Use
There are also those kind of people who want to be able to use their gifts and not just display them. There are a number of African art gift items for people like these. You can get for them African glasses, silverware, tableware, candle holders, napkin rings, etc. All these African art gift items are not just utilitarian, but also works of art. They are beautiful to look at and are made by hand with exquisite care and skill. They carry with them the culture and history of Africa
Gifts for Show
Many people like gifts that they can display. African art gift items are perfect for people like these. African art gift items are rich in history and culture as well as art and craftsmanship. You may want to consider gift items like animal figurines, paintings, sculptures, masks, etc.
Gifts for Use
There are also those kind of people who want to be able to use their gifts and not just display them. There are a number of African art gift items for people like these. You can get for them African glasses, silverware, tableware, candle holders, napkin rings, etc. All these African art gift items are not just utilitarian, but also works of art. They are beautiful to look at and are made by hand with exquisite care and skill. They carry with them the culture and history of Africa
