Cuzadesign

Cuzadesign Fashion & Consciousness Cuza Design Designs, Modern Aesthetic,Eco-Friendly commitment to empowering people across the globe.

Release the pain hunny bunny.
25/11/2024

Release the pain hunny bunny.

Impermanent Installations ♻️
19/11/2024

Impermanent Installations

♻️

In the land of the blind, he who sees is king.But don't forget that those who don't rule their own minds will never have...
14/11/2024

In the land of the blind, he who sees is king.
But don't forget that those who don't rule their own minds will never have a kingdom to call their own.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with the capital city Kinshasa, and The Republic of the Congo often referred ...
10/11/2024

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with the capital city Kinshasa, and The Republic of the Congo often referred to as Congo – Brazzaville 7/54

Kuba fabric is a true work of textile art, produced by hand and with great skill by Kuba women, an ethnic group from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The creation of this fabric involves a meticulous and laborious process, which begins with the collection of plant fibers (palm leaves) and ends with a fabric rich in geometric patterns.
The geometric patterns present in the fabrics have symbolic meanings and are used to convey messages and narratives.
The production of Kuba fabric is an exclusively female activity, passed down from generation to generation the fabrics are used to make ceremonial clothing, decorative objects and carpets.
Kuba fabric is considered a true work of art and is highly valued throughout the world.

Unfortunately the Congo region has a history marked by ethnic and political conflicts, which have a significant impact on the population up to the present moment In 2024, as a result of ongoing insecurity and an alarming resurgence of violence generated by non-state armed groups in the last two years, almost 6 million people are internally displaced in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika.
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Sometimes it's not the story that's told, but the events that took place in the story.  That's where life happens.      ...
31/10/2024

Sometimes it's not the story that's told, but the events that took place in the story. That's where life happens.
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The Origin of Pano di Terra: A Textile Treasure from Cape VerdeThe Pano di Terra, an icon of Cape Verdean culture, has i...
29/10/2024

The Origin of Pano di Terra:
A Textile Treasure from Cape VerdeThe Pano di Terra, an icon of Cape Verdean culture, has its roots deeply embedded in the history and tradition of the archipelago. Its origins date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, during the colonial period.
* Slavery and Weaving: The weaving technique and rudimentary looms were introduced to Cape Verde by slaves brought from Guinea. To protect themselves from the tropical climate and to produce their own clothes, these slaves adapted the techniques they knew and began to create the Pano di Terra.

* Currency of Exchange: Over time, the Pano di Terra became much more than just a fabric. Its quality and beauty made it a valuable currency in trade along the African coast. It was used to purchase food, tools and other essential products. Cultural Influences: The rich patterning of the Pano di Terra is the result of the fusion of several cultural influences:
* Africa: The weaving techniques and geometric motifs present in the fabrics reflect the African textile tradition.

* Middle East: The intricate patterns and vibrant colors of the Pano di Terra also reveal influences from Arab and Muslim culture, which reached Cape Verde through trade.

* Europe: Portuguese colonization left its mark on Cape Verdean culture, including the introduction of new materials and dyeing techniques.

A National Symbol: Today, the Pano di Terra is much more than just a simple fabric. It is a symbol of Cape Verde's national identity, representing the resilience, creativity and strength of the Cape Verdean people.

Burundi- Gitega  6/54The Batwa Tribe: Forest Guardians 🧚🏾☘️Who are the Batwa?The Batwa, also known as African Pygmies(☺️...
25/10/2024

Burundi- Gitega 6/54

The Batwa Tribe: Forest Guardians 🧚🏾☘️

Who are the Batwa?
The Batwa, also known as African Pygmies(☺️) are an indigenous people with a deep connection to nature. Historically, they inhabited the Great Lakes forests of Africa, where they lived from hunting, gathering and fishing.
Their traditions and knowledge of the forest were vast and they were considered the guardians of these ecosystems.

Features of Batwa fabrics:
* Natural fibers: Batwa mainly uses natural fibers such as cotton, flax and local plant fibers to create their fabrics.
* Weaving techniques: Weaving is carried out artisanal, using simple looms and techniques handed down from generation to generation.

* Geometric patterns: Geometric patterns are common in Batwa fabrics, representing elements of nature such as the sun, moon and stars. (Couldn't find pictures)

* Natural colors: The colors used in the fabrics are obtained naturally, through vegetable and mineral dyes.

Batwa fabrics are used to make a variety of garments, such as:
Skirts: Skirts are a key piece of Batwa women's clothing, usually made of colored fabrics and adorned with beads.
Vests and leather pieces

🛑Today, the Batwa struggle to preserve their cultural identity and secure their humans rights.
The Batwa story is more about the legacy and knowled ofge that they own than any product that they might provide.
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Burkina Faso - Ouagadougou 5/54The history of Faso Dan Fani fabric.Meaning of the name in Dioula, a local language, "Fas...
21/10/2024

Burkina Faso - Ouagadougou 5/54

The history of Faso Dan Fani fabric.

Meaning of the name in Dioula, a local language, "Faso Dan Fani" means "woven garment from Faso or the Homeland". "Faso" is another name for Burkina Faso.
The Faso Dan Fani can be found in the writings of anthropologists and explorers from the 19th century. Traditionally, it is the Mossi, an ethnic group present in Burkina Faso (more than 60 different ethnic groups in Burkina Faso), who cultivate and process cotton, one of Burkina Faso's many natural sources, depending on the season (wet for cultivation, dry for weaving).

The roles are divided according to gender: after being picked, the cotton is spun and dyed by the women, while the men weave it on their horizontal looms. The men weave it on their horizontal looms. They make strips of different widths, which are then assembled to form a loincloth.
Traditionally, the male weaver is also a griot. More than just a producer of textiles, he plays an essential role in the transmission and connection with the divinities, common to all ethnic groups. As his shuttle moves back and forth, he weaves a story, imbuing the fabric with a meaning that echoes an entire mystique.

What can be done to make the world more humane?
External conflicts are internal conflicts, I would say, whether they are fought with weapons, words, actions, decrees or even thoughts.
Our doing does not bring us progress, but our acting does.
Our world asks us for mannerisms in all our senses.

📸Anne Mimault

Jacob Lawrence Lines of influence 1956
20/10/2024

Jacob Lawrence

Lines of influence
1956

Leteise from Botswana/ Gaborone 4/54People of LesothoA people with a rich history and unique cultureThe Basotho are the ...
16/10/2024

Leteise from Botswana/ Gaborone 4/54
People of Lesotho
A people with a rich history and unique culture
The Basotho are the predominant ethnic group in Lesotho, a small mountainous country in southern Africa. With a history marked by resistance and adaptation, the Basotho have developed a strong and distinct cultural identity.
Who are the Basotho?
Origin: The Basotho are descended from various Bantu groups who united under the leadership of Moshoeshoe I in the 19th century to form a nation.
Culture: Basotho culture is rich in traditions, including music, dance, crafts and traditional dress.
Language: Lesotho's official language is Southern Sosotho, a Bantu language spoken by the majority of the population.
Botswana, like all southern African countries, is made up of a collection of many different tribes, each with their own distinctive cultural wear. However, the most widely worn cultural fabric in the country is called Leteise (or Letoitse). It is a dyed cotton fabric with intricate geometric patterns.
The most common colour used is indigo, but these days the fabric can be found in a wide variety of colours and print patterns.
The fabric used to only be worn by women, typically cut as an apron (chiba / khiba) with a matching headscarf (tukwi), but these days men also get clothes tailored using the fabric. The fabric can be seen in casual everyday settings, but it is essential for traditional gatherings such as weddings.
Basotho women from Lesotho and Xhosa women from South Africa also wear Leteise as a cultural fabric - but they call it by names such as Shweshwe and Ujamani respectively.
Women wear this as a societal status symbol showing they are married.
Note: The production of traditional fabrics in Botswana has faced challenges such as competition from industrialised fabrics. However, there is a growing interest in preserving and promoting these traditions, with initiatives aimed at valorising and commercialising artisanal products.

That's funny!" is an expression or phrase I use a lot.Even when nobody thinks the situation is funny.I call these types ...
12/10/2024

That's funny!" is an expression or phrase I use a lot.
Even when nobody thinks the situation is funny.
I call these types of situations the adventures of life.

People and situations come and go, that's the normal cycle of life, when something repeats itself in our lives and we thought it had long since been resolved, well! It was simply tucked away in some corner of your unconscious and life naturally comes back round and asks you to do a physical, mental or even spiritual cleanse.

It's very important to know what no longer makes you happy or prevents you from achieving your goals.
What steps should we take to stop carrying these burdens, many of which aren't even ours?
Because the journey is long and the luggage has to be light and sustainable, and you can't carry everything and everyone, can you?

What are you carrying in your bag, my love?

*It'sbeautifultoknowexactlywhoyouactuallyare!✨❤️

Benin's Egungun Costumes: A Work of Art and SpiritualityThe costumes used in Egungun ceremonies in Benin are true works ...
09/10/2024

Benin's Egungun Costumes: A Work of Art and Spirituality
The costumes used in Egungun ceremonies in Benin are true works of art, full of symbolism and cultural significance. They are much more than simple garments; they are vehicles of communication with the spirit world and visual representations of the complexity of Yoruba culture.
Characteristics of Egungun costumes:
* Materials: The costumes are made from a variety of materials, including coloured fabrics, beads, feathers, shells, leather and other natural elements. The choice of materials is often linked to symbolic meanings and the representation of different ancestral spirits.
* Colours: The colours used in Egungun costumes have deep cultural significance. White, for example, can represent purity and spirituality, while red can symbolise strength and passion.
* Masks: Masks are essential elements of Egungun costumes. They represent the faces of the ancestors and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from simple masks to complex sculptures. The masks are decorated with intricate details and often have features that refer to animals or sacred objects.
Let's extend this trip as Benin wasn't built in a day!!

🐔 🛑

Algeria - Algiers 1/54 Africa Continent The Kabyle people: A brief historyThe Kabyle are a Berber people who mainly inha...
03/10/2024

Algeria - Algiers 1/54 Africa Continent

The Kabyle people: A brief history

The Kabyle are a Berber people who mainly inhabit the mountainous region of Kabylia in north-eastern Algeria. Their history is marked by a strong cultural identity and resistance.
* Origins: The Kabyle are descendants of the ancient Berbers, one of the oldest peoples in North Africa.
* Culture: They have a rich culture, with their own language (Tamazight), traditions, customs and a social organisation based on tribes.
* Resistance: Throughout history, the Kabyle have resisted various invasions and domination, such as Roman, Arab and French.
* Identity: The Kabyle identity is strongly linked to the land, language and ancestral customs.
* Modernity: Despite their ancient roots, the Kabyle people have adapted to modern times, preserving their traditions while participating in Algeria's political and social life.

Key points to remember:
* Berbers: The Kabyle are part of the large group of Berber peoples.
* Kabylia: A mountainous region in Algeria, the cradle of Kabyle culture.
* Language: The Kabyle language is a variant of Berber.
* Resistance: The Kabyle are known for their resistance to invaders and dominators.
* Strong identity: The Kabyle identity is a central element of their culture.
Find out more:
If you want to deepen your knowledge of the Kabyle people, I suggest researching:
* Algerian history: The history of the Kabyle is intrinsically linked to the history of Algeria.

África, um mosaico de culturasEm 54 cores, a África se pinta,Um continente vibrante, de alma infinita.Da savana ao deser...
03/10/2024

África, um mosaico de culturas
Em 54 cores, a África se pinta,
Um continente vibrante, de alma infinita.

Da savana ao deserto, da floresta ao mar,
Uma diversidade que nos faz sonhar.
Do Nilo às montanhas, um caminho ancestral,
A história se escreve em cada ritual.

Mascaras e tambores, danças ancestrais,
Um legado cultural que nunca se esvai.
Bantu, árabe, francês, inglês, português, crioulo
Um caldeirão de línguas, um canto de feliz.

Cada país, uma joia, um tesouro a ser desvendado,
Em cada rosto, uma história a ser contado.
Do Egito milenar ao Congo profundo,
A África pulsa, forte e vibrando.

Em cada canto, uma nova canção,
Um continente a nos chamar, com emoção.

Autora
Dos Santos

But the Africans were naked!Did they?🧐Historical facts". Some of the oldest surviving African textiles were discovered a...
01/10/2024

But the Africans were naked!Did they?🧐

Historical facts". Some of the oldest surviving African textiles were discovered at the archaeological site of Kissi in northern Burkina Faso. They are made of wool or fine "short" animal hair including dried skin for integrity. Some fragments have also survived from the thirteenth century Benin City in Nigeria."

To discuss traditional African fabrics, one must acknowledge the cultural importance of textiles techniques like Handwoven, Adinkra, Batik and Mudcloth (Bogolanfini). .

Each of these fabrics and techniques carries a unique story, reflecting the beliefs, values, and history of the communities that create them.
These fabrics, often handmade with time-honoured techniques, hold a mirror to the past. They are more than just beautiful textiles; they are artifacts of African culture, bridging the gap between generations and connecting individuals to their ancestral roots. When wearing or using traditional African fabrics, one becomes a part of this living history, contributing to preserving cultural legacies.

There are many kinds of African fabrics and techniques, and they generally fall into one of the following categories:

1. HANDWOVEN FABRICS

These fabrics are made using raw threads and a loom that is powered by hands and feet
finished product is a heavy-weight, durable, and breathable cloth
examples include kente cloth (not kente prints) and smock fabric.
Popular in the Republic of Guinea Bissau.

2. ADINKRA FABRICS

These fabrics are identifiable by their meaningful symbols, which originate from Ghana
Adinkra symbols can be woven into fabric, stamped onto fabric, or printed onto fabric using a machine
these symbols are also prevalent in jewelry, woodworks and other arts and crafts.

3. BATIK FABRICS ( Originally from Indonesia)
Batik is a traditional method of making fabric by hand that is practiced in many parts of the world.
it involves: (1) drawing on fabric or creating a stamp to make repeated designs; (2) the use of hot wax; and (3) mixing and dyeing fabrics by hand (usually several times to achieve multiple colors)
these fabrics are usually made with 100% soft, cotton fabric.

4 .Mudcloth/(Bogolanfini)
Mud Cloth is also known as Bogolanfini handmade in Mali, West Africa. Bogolan means something made by using mud. Cotton from the region is handwoven into strips then sewn together. The fabric is then dyed and hand-painted with organic material, including fermented mud and plant matter, such as leaves and bark.
I hope this post has been useful and easy to understand
If you have any questions, please leave your loving comments.👇🏾❤️✨

Reading is sexy😋The History of Wax Prints: A Fusion of Cultures and Colours.Wax prints, also known as wax fabrics, are a...
25/09/2024

Reading is sexy😋

The History of Wax Prints: A Fusion of Cultures and Colours.

Wax prints, also known as wax fabrics, are an icon of African fashion and have a rich and complex history that intertwines African traditions with European influences.
But the mass production of wax prints began in the 19th century with the European colonisation of Africa. European textile factories, mainly in England and France, began producing fabrics with vibrant and colourful prints inspired by traditional African patterns.

African fabrics are much more than simple garments. They carry with them centuries of history, culture and identity. Their vibrant colours and intricate patterns tell stories of tribes, beliefs and traditions.
The art of weaving has been practised in Africa for millennia. Fabrics made from natural fibres such as cotton and linen were used for clothing, decoration and even as currency.
With contact with other cultures, such as Arab and European, African fabrics were enriched with new techniques and materials. The introduction of synthetic dyes, for example, broadened the palette of colours available.

Wax prints, which have become a symbol of African fashion, originated in Indonesia. However, it was the Africans who adapted them and turned them into a unique expression of their culture.
The fabrics were printed with wax to fix the colours, hence the name "wax prints". This technique allowed for the creation of complex and long-lasting patterns.

Africans quickly adopted wax prints, adapting the patterns and colours to their own traditions and customs.
The fabrics came to be used for a variety of occasions, from religious ceremonies to social events.
And so wax prints became a symbol of cultural identity for many Africans, representing the union between ancestral traditions and modern influences.
The prints and colours of wax prints have acquired specific meanings in different African cultures, being used to express social status, religious beliefs and tribal affiliation.

From the 1960s onwards, wax prints gained international prominence, influencing fashion and design all over the world. Renowned designers incorporated the fabrics into their collections, elevating wax prints to the status of noble fabrics.
In short, wax prints are much more than just fabrics. They carry with them a rich history, deep cultural significance and timeless beauty. The history of wax prints is a fascinating journey that shows us how fashion can be a powerful vehicle for cultural expression and identity.
This subject doesn't end here, so follow me so that together we can continue to unravel this mystery's.
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Who does she think she is?If people knew the path that leads me to pody, they wouldn't ask.She's been trained for many y...
24/09/2024

Who does she think she is?

If people knew the path that leads me to pody, they wouldn't ask.
She's been trained for many years and winning is part of her life, but deep down she doesn't like unfair competition.

More fair play is needed on this journey. From the age of eight, I was trained to be persistent and to run miles and miles with my eyes almost blindfolded in pursuit of a goal. And the prize was at the end of the tunnel, and tunnels are dark and, for many, gloomy.

I've run many tunnels and won many marathons, and in doing so I've won many trophies and medals. At the age of 16 I became one of the best athletes in my country and my goal was to make the national team and later the Olympic team.

The house where I was born is full of rusty trophies and abandoned dreams, according to my mother.
But that dream wasn't mine, it was a projection of those who trained me and saw the potential in me. But I grew up and changed and in a way a revolution was born in me, to be free of misconceptions.

I abandoned the dreams of others and decided to follow my dreams on a solo journey, my great passion is the arts of all forms, perspectives and colors the philosophy of living life on my own terms without limiting beliefs knowing that everything in this life is possible if you understand that the prize is at the end of the tunnel and will be yours, do not rush but also do not delay because the clock is ticking and time is your best ally.
Hone your craft and keep going.

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