AFRICAN WAX PRINT 100% Cotton Width: 45 inch (114cm) LENGTH: 6 continuous yards per piece (5.486 cm) African wax prints, also known as Ankara, Dutch wax prints or wax hollandais are colourful cotton cloths with batik-inspired prints. The method of producing the fabric is called batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique and ancient art form that originates from Indonesia. The print design and colours look the same on both the front and back sides of the fabric. When the Dutch colonised Indonesia, their merchants discovered batik fabrics and brought samples back to The Netherlands. Dutch textile manufacturers developed ways to print the fabric in bulk by machine and started to produce cheaper batik-inspired imitation fabrics. These new fabrics were not popular in Indonesia, as the original batik fabrics were preferred. However, they were well received when imported into West Africa in the 1880s. West African soldiers brought batik fabrics home after serving in Indonesia and this made the fabrics popular. Several different manufacturers in Europe, including the British and Dutch, produced the fabric for many years before manufacturing expanded to African countries.  African wax ankara can be somewhat stiff at first, but it softens upon washing. Beware of colour bleed. HOW TO REMOVE THE STICKER Almost all African fabrics contain stickers on the fabric. These stickers have been put on by the manufacturer. These stickers cannot simply be pulled off, as they may tear or leave adhesive residue. The easiest way to remove the stickers is to first iron the stickers from the back of the fabric with a steam iron, these stickers will then release on their own. To remove any remaining adhesive residue you can lightly steam it again and rub it off with a cloth, or wash short pieces of fabric afterwards at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. Do not use chemicals or other cleaning agents. Do not put in the dryer! Washing instructions: Wash fabrics at maximum 30 degrees Celsius. The fabric can shrink by up to 5%. Do not use a tumble dryer, bleach or other agents. These fabrics have been bought from Black Owned Business. Supporting Cultural Appreciation Please note that shades may vary due to different monitor settings.