The Ankara

Hello there! Today,I'll be writing about the African traditional wear which is known as Ankara. Ankara is the traditional and native wear of Africans. Although the fabric was not originally made in Africa nor was it for Africans,the manufacturers targeted Africa because of the tribal print nature of the fabric. Each tribe has its own way of wearing the Ankara. In some parts of Nigeria,the men tie the Ankara around their waist while the women sew blouses and wrappers with theirs. In Arewa(the north),Ankara is known as Atamfa and it is only worn by the women. A veil(mostly big) is draped over the ankara,so as to cover the body. The veil adds to the beauty of the outfit. Ankara comes in various prints and variety of colors. Unlike in the ancient times when Ankara used to be sewn in to a blouse and plain wrappers, it is now being sewn in to fashionable gowns,wrappers,skirts and tops. Ankara is now also being used to make shoes,bags,earrings,bracelets and other fashionable accessories. Photos Featuring: Rukkaya Saidu and Amina Haruna.