Cultural Tapestry of West Africa: Decorating with Ankara Fabric

I love West African culture. The food, the fabrics, the traditions. Everything that I achieve in my life, I owe to the ones who came before me. That’s why it’s important to honor your culture and your heritage on every occasion. I love to put hints of my culture into everything that I do, including decorating.

The most important thing about any culture is its history. West African culture is really a mix of many things. There is our native culture which includes our traditions, ceremonies, deities and artistry. Superimposed on top of this is the European influence that was spread through colonization. Look no further than the history of Ankara fabric.

Ankara fabric is a Dutch concept. Dutch textile industrialists automated the process of batik fabric making with the intent of selling the fabric to colonized Indonesia, the originator of batik fabric making. Though not successful in Indonesia, success came when this wax print fabric was introduced to West Africa. In modern day, Ankara fabric has widely become a symbol of west African style.

Ankara is often used to make clothing, but I find use for this colorful fabric throughout my home. My favorite uses are tablecloths, runners and napkins. It is a way to honor our ancestry and adds a bit of color that highlights the cultural tapestry of West Africa.