Part of the rich cultural history of Africa is reflected in the traditional textiles of the continent. As in so many other parts of the world, the textiles of Africa abound with meanings and associations, as do the finished products made with them.

On a recent trip I made to the gorgeous South African city of Cape Town, I saw first hand the variety of colors and textures available in African fabrics. Certain traditional textiles have become virtually pan-African, as many of the fabrics sold in the famous Green Market off Long Street are in fact from Nigeria. The textiles -sold either on their own or as finished garments- evinced beautiful geometric patterns and vibrant colors.