Noreen Goodwin in Stella Jean from www.vogue.co.uk/spy/street-chic/2014/vogue-festival-street-chic-2014/gallery/1155915
The classic Speedbird Ankara print has got to be one of my favourites of all time. Available in almost every colour combination imaginable. Check out our Pinterest board where we save our favourite fashion pieces that use the fabric in modern and interesting ways.
As you would have come to realise African fabric tends to incorporate patterns and symbols which have interpretations and meanings. The same applies for this print which has also gained more over its years in existence. Here are some of them.
THE MEANINGS BEHIND THE SYMBOL
Hirondelle: This is the french word for the Swallow bird. Swallows are a symbol of good luck.
In Togo the pattern was nicknamed ‘Air Afrique’ because the fabric was, at one time, used in the uniform of the local airline company in the 70’s.
Sika Wo Antaban means ‘Money has Wings’. In Ghana the pattern refers to the transience of riches: rich today, poor tomorrow, for money, if one is not careful, will fly away like a bird. This fabric encourages people to make good financial investments.
The Igbo people of Nigeria call the print ‘Eneke’ referencing a proverb from famous Nigerian author Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’, where he explains that “Eneke the bird says that since men have learned to shoot without missing, he has learned to fly without perching.”
Below are the colour combinations we have in stock. You can purchase by the Yard by simple clicking on the image of the design you like.
If you’re a fan of the Speedbird Ankara print have used it in your designs, please share a link! Check out our other prints on www.urbanstax.com/shop
The Big Snail print, also known as Afa ne nwa and Escargot grande. People often fall in love with the colours of these bright prints and bold patterns before they realise what they are. This particular design features a snail! Yes, a snail. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the spiral-type motifs are snails! Here …
My mission is very simple. I want people to buy African fabric, but not just that, I want people to buy authentic, good quality African prints and batiks. I recently came across an article written in Punch, a Nigerian daily newspaper titled Chinese ankara chases Nigerian brands out of market which highlights the plight of the textile …
Our very loyal customer Astrid rocks her funky adire trousers with style and ease. So cool! Thanks for sharing your creation. Made from our Batik flowers adire fabric.
Deborah covered a pair of chairs in some shweshwe fabric from our store and they look great! The contrast of the colours of the Chocolate and Turquoise Shweshwe against the wood is a simple and crisp combination. Thank you so much for sharing. Please share your makes from our fabric. We would love to see.
I came across Chen Burkett New York through their very poplar Etsy store and also by following their Instagram feed. She has mastered the art of the skirt in my opinion as I am always drawn to her striking print skirts. This particular feature though is about a cute romper number made in a very familiar …
The Speedbird Ankara Print- Sika Wo Ntaban
Noreen Goodwin in Stella Jean from www.vogue.co.uk/spy/street-chic/2014/vogue-festival-street-chic-2014/gallery/1155915
The classic Speedbird Ankara print has got to be one of my favourites of all time. Available in almost every colour combination imaginable. Check out our Pinterest board where we save our favourite fashion pieces that use the fabric in modern and interesting ways.
As you would have come to realise African fabric tends to incorporate patterns and symbols which have interpretations and meanings. The same applies for this print which has also gained more over its years in existence. Here are some of them.
THE MEANINGS BEHIND THE SYMBOL
Hirondelle: This is the french word for the Swallow bird. Swallows are a symbol of good luck.
In Togo the pattern was nicknamed ‘Air Afrique’ because the fabric was, at one time, used in the uniform of the local airline company in the 70’s.
Sika Wo Antaban means ‘Money has Wings’. In Ghana the pattern refers to the transience of riches: rich today, poor tomorrow, for money, if one is not careful, will fly away like a bird. This fabric encourages people to make good financial investments.
The Igbo people of Nigeria call the print ‘Eneke’ referencing a proverb from famous Nigerian author Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’, where he explains that “Eneke the bird says that since men have learned to shoot without missing, he has learned to fly without perching.”
Below are the colour combinations we have in stock. You can purchase by the Yard by simple clicking on the image of the design you like.
If you’re a fan of the Speedbird Ankara print have used it in your designs, please share a link! Check out our other prints on www.urbanstax.com/shop
Sources
Related Posts
Fabric Friday: The Big Snail
The Big Snail print, also known as Afa ne nwa and Escargot grande. People often fall in love with the colours of these bright prints and bold patterns before they realise what they are. This particular design features a snail! Yes, a snail. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the spiral-type motifs are snails! Here …
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My mission is very simple. I want people to buy African fabric, but not just that, I want people to buy authentic, good quality African prints and batiks. I recently came across an article written in Punch, a Nigerian daily newspaper titled Chinese ankara chases Nigerian brands out of market which highlights the plight of the textile …
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Our very loyal customer Astrid rocks her funky adire trousers with style and ease. So cool! Thanks for sharing your creation. Made from our Batik flowers adire fabric.
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Deborah covered a pair of chairs in some shweshwe fabric from our store and they look great! The contrast of the colours of the Chocolate and Turquoise Shweshwe against the wood is a simple and crisp combination. Thank you so much for sharing. Please share your makes from our fabric. We would love to see.
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I came across Chen Burkett New York through their very poplar Etsy store and also by following their Instagram feed. She has mastered the art of the skirt in my opinion as I am always drawn to her striking print skirts. This particular feature though is about a cute romper number made in a very familiar …