Clothing is a basic necessity of man. So, he takes care that he never falls short of it.Clothes have been made out of the weirdest material and worn during international ramp shows. In fact, man has also left Mother Nature bruising in order to satisfy his hunger for fashion. Many trees have been cut and many animals have been killed. After all this, it can be said that man has remained successful in-looking good and feeling confident!


Raffia clothing is one of the many fashion wonders created by man. It has an African origin, but is worn all over the world. The native Africans wearing raffia clothes easily attracted the Europeans. They carried the clothing home. It has become widespread everywhere in Europe. It is worn in almost all parts of the world. Raffia clothes or Kuba clothes are the pride of Africa! Made from the raffia palm in Madagascar, this piece of clothing is used for many other purposes other than making clothes.


This fabric was developed in the Kuba kingdom of central Africa, which is now situated in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This type of clothing was considered the clothing for the elite class. It was prepared from the leaves growing on the raffia palm. Its leaves were dried to create strands and woven together to make fabric. It was dyed with natural dyes obtained from plants in order to give itthe desired color.


Itwas associated with prestige in the ancient times. The economically superior class preferred to adorn themselves with clothes and jewelry. Raffia clothes were preferred by them. It was also used at the time of trade as currencies. They were woven by women majority of the times. Gradually, young men began to takeup this task for livelihood. But the trend has changed considerably in Africa, today. Nowadays, raffia clothes are used in funerals in Kuba.


Kuba clothing, as it is popularly known, was carried to Europe by the Portuguese. Singleheddled looms that are vertical and horizontal were found in Africa by the Portuguese during the 5th century B.C. It thereby reached the whole of Europe. It was considered luxury clothing in Europe from the very beginning.Gradually, it came to be recognized in USA and other parts of the world.

It enjoyed a high regard among the European nobles. It used to be displayed in curio cabinets. It has inspired many European painters and sculptors, and eventually their fans. Kuba clothes lost its popularity in Africa with time. But it never lost its charm in Europe. It is found everywhere in modern times. Though it was not as durable as compared to other materials, it enjoyed more value in the society.


It is easy to spot celebrities in raffia clothes. Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, made headlines with her yellow gold raffia dress by Emilia Wickstead. Members of the royal family wear this material many times. Big names like Beyonce Knowles and Miranda Kerr have been spotted in designer raffia bags several times. American pop singer, LeAnn Rimes was spotted in raffia wedge sandals some time back.


This fabric is not durable. Hence, it is less visible in daily usage. But it is preferred as an occasional wear. It is especially used in parties. Many designers indulge in its use. Clothes made from this material have also remained show stopper dresses in fashion shows. Designers like J W Anderson, John Rocha, and Burberry Prorsum are few of the noted designers who used raffia in ramp shows. Raffia jackets are popular among the masses, as well.


Raffia clothes are not durable, many times. But they are preferred over others owing to many advantages. It is made out of natural fiber. It is better than any synthetic fiber. One is not likely to suffer from any skin problem if one is wearing this fabric. It is comfortable to wear. The best thing about this material is that it looks exotic. It can easily attract attention. This is the reason people prefer to wear raffia clothes.


Kuba fabric from the very beginning was a favorite among the royals. The material used in the weaving of clothes symbolized many things in ancient Africa. It symbolized the economic status, class, culture, and others. Raffia clothes were worn by the royals. Even today, this material holds an important position among the members of the royal family. Raffia clothes and accessories can be found in abundance in the royal wardrobes around the world.


Clothes made out of raffia are worn in large numbers. But many other accessories are also made from this material. In fact, accessories like hats, shoes, ornaments, etc. are more popular in modern times as compared to clothes. Baskets are also made out of raffia. Once considered for use only in Kuba, Kuba clothes have now become a globally recognized material for textiles and accessories.

Raffia clothes have traveled a long distance. It has been accepted and rejected several times in various countries. Its trend comes and goes! But there is no denial to the fact that raffia clothes will last for a long time. It will not vanish completely. Owing to the popularity it holds among the elites, it will continue to be worn all over the world. It may or may not be used in normal, day to day use. But it will be seen in glitz and glamour!


References:


  1. Wikipedia.org
  2. Wisegeek.com
  3. Contemporary-african-art.com
  4. New Raiments of Self: African American Clothing in the Antebellum South, Helen Bradley Foster, Books.google.co.in
  5. Africanconservancy.org
  6. Stylebistro.com