The exhibition “Fancy! Commemorative loincloths in Africa” held at the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac in Paris highlights the use of fancy loincloths as communication tools in Africa. These fabrics, also called “commemorative loincloths”, are rectangular pieces of fabric printed with graphic patterns and quotes that convey political, social, religious or cultural messages.
Fancy, unlike wax, is a cotton fabric of lower quality but more affordable. It is made in factories across the African continent and remains very popular with African women. Thanks to its practicality and attractive patterns, the fancy loincloth has become a real means of communication for Africans, allowing them to express feminist demands, political commitments or commemorations of important events.
The exhibition traces the history of the fancy loincloth over the last 50 years in around twenty countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Slogans and quotes engraved on the loincloths make it possible to spread messages and make demands. For example, some loincloths celebrate the presidency of a leader by displaying his portrait and conveying his political ideas. Other loincloths highlight historical figures or significant events in the country’s history.
The fancy loincloth thus becomes a witness to the history of Africa and Françafrique. It reflects the political struggles, social aspirations and collective memory of the continent. These commemorative fabrics make it possible to stage photographic images accompanied by texts, thus creating mirrors of African society at a specific moment in its evolution.
The exhibition “Fancy! Commemorative loincloths in Africa” is a unique opportunity to discover this part of African history and culture through the art of fabric. It offers a new look at Africa and highlights its richness and cultural diversity. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into the colorful and symbolic world of African commemorative loincloths.