African waxprints

African waxprints are special cloths that people wear in Africa. They are made using a special process called wax resist dyeing. Think of it like coloring with crayons on paper, but instead of crayons, they use wax.

First, the cloth is washed to remove any dirt or impurities. Then, a special kind of wax is applied to certain areas of the cloth using stamps or a special tool called a tjanting. The wax forms a barrier that doesn't allow the dye to stick to it.

Once the wax has been applied, the cloth is dipped into a dye bath. The dye colors the parts of the cloth that don't have wax on them. The cloth is then washed to remove the wax, revealing the designs and patterns in the color of the original cloth.

These waxprints are very popular in Africa because they come in many different colors and designs. They are used to make clothes, bags, and other accessories. People wear them for special occasions like weddings, graduations, and religious ceremonies. They are also used to express cultural identity and pride in African heritage. Many people even collect and trade them like works of art.