Commemorative textiles: an African narrative of identity and power

Abstract Commemorative textiles play a significant role in shaping Africa’s cultural identity and expressions of power. Embedded within the cultural fabric of Africa, these textiles represent the intellectual and artistic vitality of Africa, serving as powerful symbols of its rich heritage and diversity. Through the lens of memory and commemoration, this study investigated how African cultural memory and identity are negotiated and conveyed through textiles. Drawing upon Bodnar’s theoretical framework, the study examines secondary data, using a content analysis approach to discern how commemorative textiles recollect both official and vernacular cultural memories. The result showed that African commemorative textiles are mirrors of local cultures expressing social status, political authority, and economic worth, which play a crucial role in shaping collective memory, preserving cultural knowledge, and fostering a sense of belonging among communities. As preservers of the past and inspirations for the future, the textiles weave the African narrative of identity and power, perpetuating cultural heritage across generations.