Factory printed cloths were introduced into Africa from Europe in the nineteenth century. Early fabrics were based on Indonesian batiks copied by the Dutch, thus the common use of the terms Dutch wax prints or veritable Hollandais. Today factory print cloth is manufactured in Europe or Asia for the African market or in an African factory and sold within and outside Africa. Generally identified with bright colors and bold designs, factory print textiles typically assume a local name and symbolic meaning. One reason for the success of factory printed cloth is the widespread practice of dressing alike for special events, such as 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. Men may wear it as shirts, tunics or full robes and pants. It may also be kept uncut as stored wealth.
The 1920s and 1930s saw the introduction of “Fancy” cloth, i.e., large plain blocks of color with photographic imagery. Popular during colonial times, this technique became particularly important with the independence of African nations in the 1950s and 1960s. The practice continues to the present day, commemorating both local and international events.
This cloth was collected by a member of the United States delegation to President Sirleaf's 2012 innauguration. Special emphasis is given to her role as the first female African president.
Description:
Factory printed cloth with a repeat pattern of photographs of Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and J.N. Boakai (vice president) centered in a white star motif that is set against a backdrop of small red and white stars on a blue background. Each image includes the inscription “Inauguration January 16, 2012.” The large star/image pattern alternates with the Liberian coat of arms. The bottom half of cloth is composed of alternating red and blue stripes decorated with diamond patterns inscribed with the letter V. Selvage has “SUN FLAG GUARANTEED” with flag logo, the emblem of Sunflag Group, manufacturers of textiles in Nigeria, Kenya and India.
Provenance:
Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, collected while serving as a member of the U.S. delegation to Liberian presidential inauguration of Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, 2012-2015
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
