Wax, a pan-African craft

Initially, it is a luxury product. Then in the middle of the 20th century, wax was popularised by the « Mamas Benz » so called because their wealth allowed them to drive Mercedes. These Togolese dealers organised in a powerful network of retailers will largely contribute to the diffusion of the fabric. As it is not linked to a particular African population, everyone appropriates it. It becomes a pan-African fabric. Vlisco, a Dutch textile company, is known for its very luxurious wax printed fabrics.