Textiles: Inspired by Africa’s Currencies

ekofabrik [Africa Inspired]

Now here is something I haven’t seen in like, forever and it certainly took me back in time! 
I’m taking about the mid-80’s; and the object in question is a vintage Zimbabwean $2 note, later withdrawn and replaced with a coin and now virtually nonexistent.

Browsing the net yesterday and following some random but interesting links I stumbled upon US-based ekofabrik showcasing the note design printed on a cushion. Using vintage paper money collected on her travels as a child, designer Kim Johnson replicates the designs onto organic cotton pillows that are backed with a soft eco-felt made from 100 percent post consumer recycled plastic bottles.

Growing up in the ‘80s ZWD$2 was a lot of money to us kids and seeing the note took me right back to my childhood days, hitting me with a wave of nostalgia. I was suddenly overcome with memories, a feeling of longing and started reminiscing about things like… buying ice-cream from the Dairibord and Lyons Maid bicycle vans, who’d come down the road during the school holidays ringing their tin bells; visiting the Harare Show, especially the fireworks on Saturday night when we were old enough to go by ourselves; hanging out at Dairy Den before it disappeared; if we were really lucky a whole note for pocket-money to get Freezits, CentaCools, Freddos, Chomps, Corn Curls and sweets from the tuck-shop at break time; catching a mini-bus into the city centre to see the latest movie at Kine 1 or 2; and the best fudge, toffee and shortbread ever from the Sister in Charge of Sick Bay at school – it got a lot of people through exams, discreetly hidden in blazer pockets; the fudge in particular I haven’t had anything like it since, I’m still on the hunt for something that comes close and just writing about it makes my mouth water…  Good times!

ekofabrik’s money designs include those of South Africa, Budapest, Norway, Portugal and Italy; all based on currency from the 1980’s – maybe they bring back memories for you too if you are from any of those nations.