Sister Stoker got her wish to observe the process of batiking while we were in the town of Ho a couple of weeks ago. Elder Stoker got some great shots of the talented apprentices who learn on the job as experienced batikers hand down their knowledge of a highly cherished tradition in Africa. This technique is very labor intensive but produces impressive and unique fabrics. Many are one-of-a-kind pieces in vibrant colors and designs that are a gorgeous representation of the inner soul of these lovely people.
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| Looking over the fence as we approached the outdoor training center on a hot April morning in the quiet community of Ho. | An apprentice spreads out a clean white piece of 100% cotton, which is usually dyed in increments of 6 yards. |
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| Sometimes the artist begins by drawing a design on the fabric, then brushes molten wax on the parts that should not be tinted. | The fabric is immersed in dye. If more than one color is desired, the cloth is dried, then alternate wax designs and dyes are used. |
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| Another way of applying the hot wax is on a firm sponge-like stamp with the desired pattern cut into the bottom. The girl on the left is creating lines by dragging the stamp down the fabric. | This young lady is likely learning the trade instead of attending school. Jobs are scarce in Ghana. This would be an opportunity to acquire skills that could guarantee a future living for her. |
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| After the cloth is dipped in boiling water to remove the wax, it is laid out to dry and finally ironed to prepare for sale. | No one knows when batiking came to this continent, but the art has been tweaked and refined to fit each region of Africa. |
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| I limited myself to one piece. It was a tough decision! | This fabric will soon be for sale at the local market in Ho. |
