The Commemorative Cloth Archive

This week's episode is about African commemorative wax prints. Commemorative textiles are produced across Africa to mark special occasions, from elections to holidays to weddings, and they often feature party slogans, historical figures, and Presidential faces. But these fabrics are not just a popular tool for political messaging; they’re also a colorful material archive unto themselves. To learn more about the histories tied up in commemorative cloths, Akua sat down with Tommy Miles, a historian and collector of commemorative fabrics from across Africa.  His collection is available for viewing on his blog, Pagnes (http://www.tomathon.com/mphp/category/pagnes/), or on Instagram @the_tomathon. Follow him on Twitter @tommymiles. Music by RYYZN.