THREADS OF AFRICA: HONORING CULTURE, ART, AND COMMUNITY

By Zach Forte

The Love Quilt Project has partnered with Baxter Mill Archive in Rock Hill, South Carolina to create eye-catching, sustainably made fabrics and products inspired by many traditional African cloths, colorways, art pieces, and fabric patterns. This LQP fabric collection, made in the U.S.A., will be available to the general public later this month.

Within the Baxter Mill Archive, over a million vibrant, colorful textiles – both large and small – adorn the walls of this “inspiration destination”. Carefully curated collections and design inspirations are displayed on oversized boards, while vintage garments drape over dress forms. This vast archive encompasses textiles, historical books, and hand painted artwork, each piece reflecting global influences and artistic heritage spanning over three centuries.

While the main focus of LQP philanthropy resides in South Africa currently, much of the artistry on the patterns used in our new fabric collection and products has been taken from all corners of the continent, influenced by the rich history and various cultures Africa has allowed to flourish over centuries.

TSITSIKAMMA

One of the liveliest of these new fabrics is aptly named “Tsitsikamma” (Tseet-see- kama), which received its name from the Tsitsikamma National Park, located on the southern coast of South Africa, a little over 300 miles east of Cape Town. The word Tsitsikamma comes from the Khoekhoe language, spoken by the indigenous tribe that once inhabited this area. The word itself loosely translates to “clear water”, highlighting the natural beauty of the many rivers that run through the mountainous terrain. This fabric is a reflection of the harmony between the sprawling, lush greens of the surrounding forest alongside the deep blues of the coastline, rivers, and thunderous waves that pound against the rocky terrain. The intricate patterns and rich hues woven into this fabric serve as a tribute to the region’s vibrant ecosystem, echoing the spirit of resilience and tranquility found in its ancient forests and ever-changing tides. 

BASOTHO DIAMONDS

Another of our new fabrics, named “Basotho Diamonds”, takes its expressiveness from the geometric patterns often found on traditional cloth worn by the Basotho, or just Sotho, people who have inhabited Southern Africa for generations, now spanning over 5 different modern-day countries: Namibia, Eswatini, Botswana, Lesotho, and South Africa. The geometric patterns within the fabric stem from the patterns found in and around the mountainous regions that make up Lesotho and Eastern South Africa, with the Drakensberg mountain range being the most prominent. Similar patterns are also often used among the Basotho people when crafting their traditional clothing, including dresses, skirts, headcloths, as well as their popular heritage blankets, which are a fashion staple within Basotho communities. This fabric serves as both an artistic expression and a historical tapestry, weaving together the natural splendor of the mountains with the cultural pride of those who call them home.

DJEMBE PULSE

The repetitive patterns of “Djembe Pulse” not only represent the geometric shapes that are often aligned with traditional African techniques, but also the thumping rhythms of the Djembe Drum, a popular instrument associated with West African cultures often used in traditional rituals. These wooden drums often have large carved- out patterns along the body of the instrument, showing a continuity of styles between the hundreds of tribes that have called Africa home for millennia. This connection between visual art and music reflects the deep-rooted relationship between rhythm and storytelling in African culture. The patterns within Djembe Pulse echo this expression through their structured yet fluid design. The repetition of shapes within the fabric mirrors the steady cadence of the drum, embodying the energy of communal gatherings, dance, and celebration. By weaving these rhythmic elements into the fabric, ‘Djembe Pulse’ pays homage to the rich traditions of West Africa, capturing the spirit of unity, movement, and cultural continuity that has been passed down through generations.

ZULU

Our new “Zulu” fabric uses the artistry from the centuries-old Zulu practice of beadwork, stringing together colorful beads into different shapes and patterns to express emotions and messages to one another, as well as communicate certain societal aspects, such as status, gender, or to symbolize marriage. Our fabric reflects this long-standing practice through the interwoven patterns and different colors used, while also creating geometric patterns within the fabric print itself. 

UBUNTU

 “Ubuntu” is another design inspired by the Zulu tribe, focusing on symbolizing connection and community between yourself and others, using multi-layered circles to represent this interconnectedness. The word ubuntu itself is a Bantu and Zulu word that translates to humanity. Ubuntu is also the name of an African philosophy that focuses on community and the surrounding world rather than oneself, teaching messages of trust, generosity, respect, and hospitality, all messages we try to encapsulate within the Love Quilt Project. Ubuntu has been applied in many cases of social and political debate in Southern Africa, most famously used by former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, to help create pacification between the many ethnic groups within the country post-apartheid. By incorporating these meaningful symbols and traditions into our designs, we wish to honor the rich heritage of the Zulu people while fostering a sense of connection that transcends borders, reminding us that, at our core, we are all part of a shared humanity.

African art weaves together tradition, identity, and storytelling through vibrant patterns and rhythmic designs. From the vibrant beadwork of the Zulu tribe to the carved motifs of the Djembe drum, these artistic legacies are honored and reimagined, celebrating the beauty of African craftsmanship while fostering a sense of connection across generations and borders, symbolizing unity, community, and creating a sense of identity

Through our collaboration with the Baxter Mill Archive, LQP has created a fabric collection that celebrates the artistry, history, and cultural depth of Africa. Each design – whether inspired by landscapes, textiles, music, art, or culture – tells a story of beauty, tradition, and interconnectedness. More than just textiles, these fabrics serve as a bridge between past and present, honoring the diverse heritage of African communities while supporting a greater mission of unity and philanthropy. By weaving these narratives into our work, we hope to inspire appreciation for African craftsmanship and strengthen the bonds of humanity that tie us all together.

To see the entire LQP fabric collection Visit www.baxtermillarchive.com