Waxprint textiles

Wax print textile mumutane's products are designed and produced in African wax print textile, which has a very special status in Africa and among Africans all over the world. In fact, the textile is considered to be the most symbol-laden of all African textiles, and it is also not without reason that the textile is so popular and has been so for almost 200 years. The wax print textile is very eye-catching with its bright, vibrant colors and distinctive prints and symbols. The textile is made of 100% cotton and is printed using wax, from which the name `wax print' comes. The wax technique helps to create a very special visual expression, which is a combination of clear graphic areas, colors in many layers and a diffuse marbled effect. This combination helps to give a special visual dimension and optical effect in the print. The wax technique means that the print is slightly different from print to print, and that the colors are very durable and remain beautiful and clear even after a long time of use. The wax print textile is not only beautiful and fascinating to look at. It is also full of symbols and stories, which makes it something very special.

Both the symbols and the colors reflect the African culture and are used to signal different statements, messages or moods. It can be everything from everyday events, the relationship between men and women, nature, music, rhythms and social status to special traditions and events. The symbolism can vary according to geographical location or social status. Many of the popular textiles have been given names over time and are produced in different color combinations. Wax print has been used by Africans for clothing for almost 200 years. Although one would think that the iconic textile is originally African, it was the Dutch textile company Vlisco who, during the industrialization and colonial expansion, brought the wax print textile to the African Gold Coast at the end of the 19th century. Wax print is therefore often called Hollandais or Dutch Wax. The textile was originally designed for the Indonesian market, and the expression was therefore strongly inspired by Indonesian batik. Vlisco was not successful in the Indonesian market and therefore introduced the textile on the African Gold Coast. The textile was new and exotic to the Africans. It quickly became popular and a symbol of style and status. Over time, the population had a great influence on the design of patterns, colors and symbolism, and thus the wax print textile came to reflect the African culture.

Vlisco exists today and also has factories in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. The company still collaborates with African women, whose attitudes and knowledge about colors, symbols, clothing and culture play a major role in the design phase of the textiles. Many talented African designers often integrate the wax print tradition into new interpretations in their designs, and also help to carry the strong tradition forward. With this development, the Africans have made the wax print textile their very own and something very special Quality.

We purchase textiles from West Africa, predominantly Nigeria, and spend a long time finding the right suppliers to ensure the right quality. It is important for us to know our business partners and ensure that they receive a fair and honest financial gain for their work and cooperation with us. We select the textiles with care, so that it is the right quality and the right design expression. We have, among other things, made washing samples to see what it can hold up to, how it looks after washing and whether the color rubs off. That is why we also know that all textiles can be washed at 30° and the color will last. We recommend washing separately by hand.