This is an African fabric whose name dashiki originated from the word “dan ciki” or “danshiki” which means shirt in Hausa and Yoruba respectively. These are languages spoken from the west part of Africa including Nigeria the land of fashion and culture.
- origin
Dashiki prints originated from the western part of African. It was meant to make shirts at the first time but after a while designers were able to make dresses and other things out of it.
- Symbol of black history month
Most of you may wonder what this is all about, for most people wearing the dashiki print is a symbol of the traditional black history month. This is why it’s sales increases during the month of February. In the early 60’s dashiki was won as a symbol of affirmation which stood for “black is beautiful”
- Etymology
Dashiki is a name from Yoruba which means shirt. There is a special cap worn with the dashiki known as kufi. That is not all, there is also a special trouser which should be worn with the dashiki known as Sokoto which is a Yoruba word.
- Dashiki version
There are three versions of dashiki. The first one is the dashiki suit (it consist of dashiki, Sokoto, and kufi). The second one is the Senegalese or robe (kufi, Sokoto and ankle length shirt). The last version is the worn by Tribal chiefs, Muslims or Nigerians and it consists of a matching trouser and dashiki.
- Dashiki in the west
The dashiki prints found its way into the American market during the political struggle in the early 6o’s. A dashiki company was later established by young professionals in the year 1967 and that is when the American community had the opportunity to wear dashiki prints.
- Dashiki in the modern days
Dashiki styles are formally worn on special occasions in the western part of Africa. You will find dashiki prints worn in places of worship such as mosques and churches.
- Dashiki is meant for the black culture
Many Africans believe that dashiki is only meant for the black. If a white guy is seen wearing a dashiki print cloth it is a sign of disrespect to the black traditional culture or even a mockery.
- Why people love dashiki
Honestly, dashiki garment is very comfortable and great during hot seasons. They come in free size where anyone can have the chance to wear. The cool style has originated from early days but continues to be worn even in the modern days.
- Dashiki prints for traditional culture
Dashiki prints have a big name in history they are worn on so many traditional occasions worldwide. But in the month of February dashikis are worn to celebrate the heritage of the west African believes
- Wedding colors
The most worn wedding color is grey which is a traditional color for the west African weddings. For the non-traditional colors are purple and lavender which means loyalty and blue which means harmony and love in Africa.
- Funeral colors
Dashiki is also worn in funeral but there are those colors which should be worn in this situation which include black and red which are the colors that represent mourning.
Leave a Reply