SUBMITTED BY: MUTEE UL HAQ(TD 20)

SUBMITTED TO: MAAM MUQADAS LARAIB USHA

TOPIC: AFRICA IN 1900S

 AFRICA IN 1900s
FASHION IN 1900s

Traditional African Attire

The 1900s saw the continued prominence of traditional African attire, which varied greatly across the
continent. The materials used ranged from woven cloth, animal skins, and bark to colorful textiles, such
as kente, bogolanfini, and adire. Traditional garments like the dashiki, boubou, and kaftan showcased
unique patterns, designs, and styles specific to different African regions.

Influence of European Colonialism

European colonization had a significant impact on African fashion during the 1900s.
European styles began to merge with traditional African clothing, leading to the
emergence of hybrid fashion. Western fabrics, such as calico, wax prints, and lace,
were integrated into African garments, creating a fusion of styles that embodied
both African and European aesthetics.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

African fashion in the 1900s held deep cultural and symbolic meaning. Clothing patterns,
colors, and accessories often represented social status, tribe affiliation, gender roles, and
rites of passage. Adornments like beads, shells, and elaborate headpieces were used to
signify spiritual beliefs, identity, and celebration.

Influence of Pan-Africanism

The 1900s witnessed the rise of Pan-Africanism, an ideology that emphasized the
unity and empowerment of African people worldwide. African leaders and
intellectuals promoted African attire as a form of resistance against colonialism
and a way to reclaim cultural identity. This era marked a resurgence of traditional
African fashion, with a renewed appreciation for its historical and cultural
significance.

Fashion Icons and Influencers

Throughout the 1900s, several influential figures emerged in African fashion. One notable icon
was Yinka Shonibare, a Nigerian-British artist who explored themes of
colonialism, identity, and globalization through his use of African-inspired
textiles and designs. Other individuals, like Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, and
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, used their music and stage costumes to showcase
African fashion on a global platform.
 ART MOVEMENT IN AFRICA

Négritude Movement

The Négritude movement emerged in the 1930s and 1940s and was a literary and
cultural movement that also influenced the visual arts. It aimed to celebrate
African identity, culture, and heritage, countering the negative portrayal of
Africans by colonial powers. Artists like Léopold Sédar Senghor, Aimé Césaire,
and Léon Damas played significant roles in this movement, promoting a positive
African aesthetic.

African Modernism
During the mid-20th century, African artists began to blend traditional African aesthetics with
European modernist influences. Artists such as Ben Enwonwu from Nigeria, Ibrahim El-Salahi
from Sudan, and Gerard Sekoto from South Africa pioneered this movement. They incorporated
indigenous themes, symbolism, and styles into their works, resulting in a unique fusion of
African and Western artistic elements.

The Zaria Art Society

In the 1950s, a group of Nigerian artists at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, formed the
Zaria Art Society. Led by artists such as Uche Okeke, Demas Nwoko, and Bruce
Onobrakpeya, they sought to revive and promote indigenous Nigerian art forms. They
experimented with various media, including woodcuts, batik, and sculpture, while
incorporating traditional Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa artistic motifs.

Popular Painting Movements

In the 1960s and 1970s, several popular painting movements emerged across different
African countries. These movements were characterized by the use of bright colors,
exaggerated figures, and simplified forms. Notable examples include the Makonde sculpture
from Tanzania, the Oshogbo School in Nigeria led by artists like Twins Seven-Seven and
Susanne Wenger, and the Tingatinga painting style from Tanzania.

Contemporary African Art

Moving towards the end of the 20th century, African artists embraced diverse styles and
mediums, reflecting the ever-changing social, political, and economic landscape. Artists like
El Anatsui from Ghana, Chéri Samba from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and
Wangechi Mutu from Kenya gained international recognition for their thought-provoking
works that explore issues of identity, gender, and globalization.
 Importance of Textiles

Textiles play a crucial role in African societies, serving as functional items, decorative elements,
and symbols of social status. They often reflect cultural beliefs, historical events, and local
traditions.

Traditional African Textile Techniques

African textile design encompasses various traditional techniques, including weaving,

dyeing, printing, and embroidery. These methods have been passed down through
generations, representing a legacy of expertise and artistry.

West Africa - Adire and Kente

In West Africa, we find distinctive textile traditions such as Adire from Nigeria and
Kente from Ghana. Adire involves resist-dyeing techniques, creating intricate
patterns using indigo dyes. Kente, on the other hand, employs narrow handwoven
strips that are sewn together to form vibrant and complex cloth.

East Africa - Kanga and Kitenge

Moving to East Africa, we encounter textiles like Kanga and Kitenge. Kangas are
colorful rectangular cloths often adorned with Swahili proverbs and symbols.
Kitenge, originating from the Great Lakes region, consists of wax print fabrics with
vibrant patterns and motifs.

Central Africa - Barkcloth and Raffia

Central Africa boasts unique textile traditions, such as barkcloth and raffia.
Barkcloth, made from the inner bark of trees, is used to create textiles with rich
textures and earthy tones. Raffia, extracted from palm leaves, is woven into
intricate patterns, resulting in functional and decorative pieces.

North Africa - Tunisian Carpets and Moroccan Textiles

North Africa has its own captivating textile heritage. Tunisian carpets are renowned for
their exquisite designs, showcasing influences from Berber, Arab, and Ottoman cultures.
Moroccan textiles, including rugs, blankets, and garments, feature vibrant colors and
geometric patterns inspired by Islamic art.
 South Africa - Shweshwe and Ndebele Art

In South Africa, we find the iconic Shweshwe fabric, recognized by its distinct indigo
color and small repeating geometric patterns. Additionally, the Ndebele people have a
rich tradition of beadwork and mural painting, which also influence their textile
designs.

Colonial and Global Influences

During the 1900s, African textile design experienced the impact of colonialism and
global influences. European traders introduced new materials, synthetic dyes, and
printing techniques, resulting in the fusion of traditional African aesthetics with modern
elements.

Contemporary African Textile Design

As we conclude our journey through the 1900s, let's appreciate the vibrant world
of contemporary African textile design. Today, African designers continue to
innovate, blending traditional techniques with contemporary fashion trends,
showcasing the versatility and creativity of African textiles

ARCHITECTURE IN AFRICA

Indigenous Architecture

Africa is a continent rich in diverse cultural traditions, each with its unique
architectural styles. In the early 1900s, indigenous architectural practices
continued to flourish despite the intrusion of colonial powers. Examples of
indigenous architectural styles include the mud-brick houses of the Hausa
people in West Africa, the distinctive round huts of the Zulu people in
Southern Africa, and the Swahili coastal settlements characterized by coral
stone buildings.

Colonial Influence

The 1900s marked the height of European colonialism in Africa, with various countries
establishing their presence across the continent. These colonial powers brought along their
architectural styles, blending them with local influences. Notable
colonial styles include:
a. French Influence: French colonies, such as Algeria and
Morocco, witnessed the emergence of French colonial
architecture characterized by grand buildings, wide boulevards,
and neoclassical influences. The blending of French and North
African styles is evident in structures like the Kasbah of Algiers.
 British Influence

British colonial architecture emphasized practicality and functionality, often

combining neoclassical elements with local materials. Examples include the
government buildings and railway stations in cities like Nairobi and Cape Town.

Portuguese Influence

Portuguese colonies, particularly in Mozambique and Angola, saw the fusion of

European architectural elements with local African designs. The resulting style
combined Portuguese Manueline motifs with traditional African construction
techniques.

Urban Development
As urban centers grew in Africa during the 1900s, new architectural trends
emerged. Modern infrastructure, such as railway stations, hospitals, and schools,
were built to meet the needs of growing populations. Cities like Cairo,
Johannesburg, and Nairobi became architectural hubs, showcasing a blend of
indigenous, colonial, and emerging modern styles.

Architects and Architects of African Descent

Despite the prevailing colonial influence, African architects and designers emerged
during this period, contributing their unique visions to the architectural landscape.
Pioneers like Demas Nwoko from Nigeria and Mohamed Makiya from Sudan
created a new wave of African architecture that incorporated local materials,
cultural symbolism, and sustainable design principles.

INVENTIONS IN AFRICA
The Zeer Pot Refrigerator

In 1903, Mohammed Bah Abba from Nigeria invented the Zeer Pot Refrigerator,
also known as the "Pot-in-Pot" refrigerator. This invention is a simple and effective
way to cool and preserve perishable food items in hot climates. It consists of two
clay pots, one placed inside the other with a layer of wet sand in between. As the
water evaporates, it cools the inner pot, providing a low-cost refrigeration solution.

The Cardiac Probe

In 1961, Dr. Wilfred G. Bigelow, a Canadian physician, worked closely with Dr.
Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng from Ghana to develop the cardiac probe. This medical
invention revolutionized open-heart surgery by enabling surgeons to regulate the
flow of blood during heart procedures. Dr. Frimpong-Boateng's expertise and collaboration
significantly advanced the field of cardiac surgery.

The Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)

In the late 1960s, South African engineer, Adrian Gore, made significant contributions
to the development of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). While working at IBM, he
was involved in creating a system that allowed customers to access their bank accounts
and withdraw cash electronically. This invention revolutionized the banking industry
worldwide, making financial transactions more convenient for millions of people.

The CAT Scan

Allan McLeod Cormack, a South African physicist, co-invented the

Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan, also known as the CT Scan.
Alongside British engineer Godfrey Hounsfield, Cormack's mathematical
algorithms and Hounsfield's engineering expertise led to the development of
this groundbreaking medical imaging technology. The CT Scan revolutionized
medical diagnosis, allowing doctors to visualize internal body structures with
exceptional precision.

The "Cassava Chipping" Machine

François Nginn, a Cameroonian engineer, invented the "Cassava Chipping"

machine in the 1990s. This machine simplified the process of processing cassava, a
staple food crop in many African countries. By automating the peeling and
chipping of cassava, it increased efficiency and reduced the labor-intensive work
required. This innovation played a significant role in improving cassava processing
and the livelihoods of farmers.

Kente Weaving Technology

One of the most iconic African textile inventions is the Kente weaving technology.
Originating from Ghana, Kente cloth is a vibrant, hand-woven fabric traditionally
associated with royalty and special occasions. The intricate patterns and colors are
achieved through a labor-intensive process using narrow strips of silk or cotton. This
ancient art form has been preserved and passed down through generations, representing
the rich cultural heritage of Africa.

Bogolanfini (Mud Cloth)

Another notable textile invention from Africa is the Bogolanfini, also known as Mud
Cloth. This traditional Malian fabric is created using a unique dyeing technique with
natural pigments derived from fermented mud. The cloth is hand-woven, and patterns are
hand-painted using a special mud-based dye. Bogolanfini has gained international
recognition for its distinctive designs, symbolic meaning, and contribution to sustainable fashion
practices.

Wax Print Fabric

Wax print fabric, also known as African print fabric or Ankara, is a textile
widely used throughout Africa. While its origins can be traced back to the
Dutch East Indies, African entrepreneurs in the 1900s played a crucial role in
popularizing and adapting this fabric to reflect African aesthetics. Wax print
fabric is created using a wax-resist dyeing technique, where a pattern is applied
to the fabric with melted wax, and then dyed. It has become an integral part of
African fashion, cultural identity, and creative expression.

Automatic Adire Dyeing Machine

Adire is a traditional Nigerian textile art form that involves resist dyeing
techniques. In the 1900s, African inventors developed an automatic Adire dyeing
machine, which revolutionized the production process. This machine mechanized
the repetitive tasks involved in creating the intricate patterns of Adire cloth,
increasing efficiency and reducing production time. It enabled the scaling up of
production and contributed to the commercial success of Adire textiles.

Akwete Loom

The Akwete loom is a traditional handloom from Nigeria, specifically from the
Igbo ethnic group. It is used to produce Akwete cloth, a finely woven textile
known for its intricate designs and vibrant colors. The loom, which is operated
manually, allows weavers to create complex patterns with precision and speed.
The Akwete loom played a crucial role in preserving the weaving heritage of the
Igbo people and promoting economic empowerment through the production and
sale of Akwete cloth