BEHIND THE SCENES: The Artisan Process
At Osei-Duro, we celebrate rich heritages of traditional textile techniques. One such captivating method is batik, an ancient art form that has transcended time and geography, and has become the mainstay of our designs. While many people associate Batik with Indonesia, other places have produced batik for thousands of years, including Japan, China, India and Egypt.
In 2009, UNESCO added Indonesian Batik to their list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Indonesians have indeed refined batik to an art form. Intricate designs and patterns are often hand drawn, and batik textiles are integral to Indonesian life and culture.
Ghanaian Adaptation: In the late 19th century batik found a new home in West Africa via the Dutch; a colonizer shared with the Indonesians. Here it evolved, taking on a local flair, and integrating relevant colors, themes and symbols. Ghanaian batikers innovated in the 20th century with carved foam stamps made from local rubber—lighter and more absorbent than the traditional wooden stamps that they were already using to create local Adinkra cloth. Batik is now
The Batik Process
Our journey begins with inspiration. Our designers draw from nature, culture, and personal experiences to create intricate patterns. Whether it’s cityscape motifs or ocean waves, each design carries a story.
Our artisan collaborators in Ghana carve the foam stamps from our designs to imprint batik motifs onto the cloth. The hot liquid wax penetrates the fabric, creating a resist that defines the design.
The waxed cloth is then dipped into a cold dye bath. As the wax hardens, it cracks ever so slightly, allowing fine lines to form—these are the signature veins of handcrafted batik.
This process isn’t a single step; it’s a process of repetition. Each dip adds a new layer of color, a new dimension of detail. It’s physically demanding, a labor of love that’s influenced by everything from the weather to the age of the dye powder.
After dyeing, the fabric undergoes a transformative step. Our artisans gently boil the fabric in hot water to remove the wax by dipping the fabric in and out of the water repeatedly. As the wax dissolves, the print design emerges. Finally, the fabric is rinsed in cold water to remove any remaining wax.
Stamping with Foam
Dyeing with Precision
Layering Colors
Wax Removal
Wax Removal
BEYOND BATIK: HAND-PAINTED AND TIE-DYED PRINTS
While batik is at the heart of our textile journey, not all Osei-Duro prints follow this technique. We embrace diversity and creativity:
Hand-Painted Prints: Some of our designs come to life through hand-painting. Our skilled artists use brushes and pigments to infuse each piece with unique strokes and vibrant hues.
Tie-Dyed Fabrics: Tie-dyeing is an art form in itself. Our artisans fold, twist, and bind the fabric before immersing it in dye. The result? Mesmerizing patterns that evoke spontaneity and joy.
THE TRADITION OF HANDWOVEN TEXTILES
In addition to our batik, hand-painted, and tie-dyed creations, Osei-Duro is proud to honor the legacy of handwoven cotton from Northern Ghana.
Handwoven Heritage: The art of stripweaving in Northern Ghana is a cultural treasure with roots that intertwine with the region’s history. This textile was once a form of currency, traded across the Sahel, signifying wealth and status long before the advent of colonization in West Africa.
Batakari: Today, this tradition lives on in the form of Batakari, a loose-fitting smock that is much more than just a garment. It’s a symbol of identity and celebration. Northern men adorn themselves in Batakari, dancing and twirling, their movements accentuating the fabric’s grace and the weaver’s skill.
OUR COMMITMENT TO CRAFTSMANSHIP
At Osei-Duro, every textile tells a story of collaboration, sustainability, and heritage. Our unique hand-dyed and handwoven pieces are the fruits of partnerships with small-scale artisanal dyers and weavers in Ghana, each creation as distinctive and beautiful as the hands that crafted it.
We’re on a journey towards innovation and transparency, actively researching and developing more sustainable dye sources, including OEKO-TEX certified chemicals, local botanical dyes, and bio-pigments. Our goal is to fully transition to these eco-friendly options by 2024, alongside implementing waste water recycling. This dedication to improvement reflects our deep respect for both our artisans and the environment.
Choosing an Osei-Duro garment means embracing a rich tapestry of history woven into the very fibers of the fabric. It’s a celebration of cultural identity, from the storied hand-dyed textiles to the rhythmic dance of the Batakari. Each piece is a connection to the lineage of artisans, the rhythms of Northern Ghana, and a vibrant history that continues to thrive through our textiles.