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
Every year, Pantone declares a colour of the year and for 2018 it is Ultra Violet. I know, I know. There are some people that will say Ultra Violet is simply purple. Well whatever the case, we are getting in the spirit of things and jumping right in and showing you what we have in …
This is what it looks like when you have gorgeous AND creative customers! Wumi and her mum made this stunning outfit in a combination of Ankara and black fabric as she wanted to rep Nigeria for her prom. She used the Teal version of the basket Ankara print. Check out the cute clutch as well. …
Another example from the wonderful Stee Bijoux who has used the Orange African wax print to create a unique collection of earrings. These earrings really pop and would add spice to any outfit. Very cool. Check out more pieces from Stee Bijoux here- www.stee-eshop.com. Does this inspire you to get your creative juices running? We would love to feature …
We now have African fabric fat quarters available in our store. Whether you are looking for supplies for your newest quilt project or you want to create some beautiful patchwork, you have an option of a 10 fat quarter bundle that consists of 10 African print and batik fat quarters. This fat quarter bundle consists …
Funky Wax print Tees by fashion and costumer designer Elise Kabwe. She owns and runs the brand Kabelis and has produced this range of very cool tee shirts. which incorporates our Lime Green Ankara, Olive and Blue Ankara and also our Orange and Purple Ankara. All these wax prints are designed and made in Nigeria on …
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
Colour of the Year- Pantone Ultra Violet
Every year, Pantone declares a colour of the year and for 2018 it is Ultra Violet. I know, I know. There are some people that will say Ultra Violet is simply purple. Well whatever the case, we are getting in the spirit of things and jumping right in and showing you what we have in …
Look What They Made! Wumi
This is what it looks like when you have gorgeous AND creative customers! Wumi and her mum made this stunning outfit in a combination of Ankara and black fabric as she wanted to rep Nigeria for her prom. She used the Teal version of the basket Ankara print. Check out the cute clutch as well. …
Look What They Made!- Orange African Wax and Stee Bijoux
Another example from the wonderful Stee Bijoux who has used the Orange African wax print to create a unique collection of earrings. These earrings really pop and would add spice to any outfit. Very cool. Check out more pieces from Stee Bijoux here- www.stee-eshop.com. Does this inspire you to get your creative juices running? We would love to feature …
African fabric Fat Quarters
We now have African fabric fat quarters available in our store. Whether you are looking for supplies for your newest quilt project or you want to create some beautiful patchwork, you have an option of a 10 fat quarter bundle that consists of 10 African print and batik fat quarters. This fat quarter bundle consists …
Look What They Made! Kabelis
Funky Wax print Tees by fashion and costumer designer Elise Kabwe. She owns and runs the brand Kabelis and has produced this range of very cool tee shirts. which incorporates our Lime Green Ankara, Olive and Blue Ankara and also our Orange and Purple Ankara. All these wax prints are designed and made in Nigeria on …