African wax prints, also known as Ankara and Dutch wax prints, are ubiquitous and common materials for clothing in Africa, especially West Africa. They are industrially produced, colorful cotton fabrics with batik-inspired printing. One feature of these materials is the lack of difference in color intensity from the front and back sides. Wax fabrics can be sorted into quality categories because of the manufacturing process.

Wax cloth is a capital item for African women. Therefore, they are collected depending on financial possibilities.