Factory print cloth may be manufactured in Europe or Asia for the African market or be made in an African factory and sold anywhere. Generally identified with bright colors and bold designs, it assumes a local name and symbolic meaning. One reason for success of factory printed cloth is the widespread practice of dressing alike for special events ~ weddings, funerals, anniversaries and especially for political events. Another is the quantity of cloth needed to make an outfit. Factory printed cloth is typically sold in 6 yard lots to women for a skirt and top, plus a shawl or head tie. It may be kept uncut as stored wealth.
The 1920s -30s saw the introduction of Fancy cloth, large plain blocks of color with photographic imagery. Popular during colonial times, this technique became particularly important with independence.
Description:
Factory printed cloth with a repeating pattern featuring a horizontal row of portraits of Sir Albert Margai in purple with the text "SIR ALBERT MARGAI" underneath, alternating with a row of purple banners that read "PROGRESS". A small crossed shovel and pick axe design frames each image in a diamond pattern. Background is a pale orange/pink with a small floral print. Repeat is 20 cm (7 7/8 in.).
Provenance:
Lilburn Theurer Senn, Clemson, South Carolina, acquired in Sierra Leone, 1960's to 2002
Exhibition History:
"Festival of African American Literature and the Arts, " the Brooks Center, Clemson University, South Carolina, 9/17- 9/21/2001
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