For many years, customized Ankara fabrics for burials and remembrance ceremonies have traditionally featured large photographs of the deceased. While this remains a cherished option for many families, a growing number of people now prefer designs without portraits.
The reason is simple: they want the fabric to remain fashionable and wearable long after the event.
At Ola Daviva, we have seen this trend grow across Nigeria and West Africa. Families are now choosing elegant, timeless designs that celebrate the life and legacy of their loved ones without necessarily placing their photographs on the fabric.
Here are some beautiful alternatives.
1. Use a Memorial Website
One of our most memorable projects was for the family of Late Professor Ibiang Ewa.
Instead of printing his portrait on the Ankara fabric, the family created a dedicated memorial website containing his biography, achievements, photographs, tributes, and condolence messages.
We simply printed the website address on the fabric.
Guests who wished to learn more about his remarkable life could visit the website, while the fabric itself remained stylish enough to be worn for other occasions after the burial.
This approach combines technology with tradition in a truly elegant way.
2. Use a Family Symbol or Traditional Emblem
Another beautiful project was the one-year remembrance of the Olumegbon of Ajah and Osolo of Isolo.
Rather than using the King’s portrait, we incorporated the official symbol of the kingdom into the Ankara design.
The result was dignified, culturally rich, and visually stunning. Because there was no portrait, family members could confidently wear the fabric again for weddings, festivals, thanksgiving services, and other celebrations.
3. Feature a Meaningful Signature
A person’s signature can be a powerful symbol of identity.
Printing a late father’s, mother’s, professor’s, pastor’s, or community leader’s signature creates a subtle yet deeply personal memorial without using a photograph.
4. Use Initials or a Monogram
Elegant typography never goes out of style.
A customized design featuring initials, a family monogram, or beautifully styled lettering can create a sophisticated memorial fabric that remains fashionable for years.
5. Include an Inspiring Quote
Many people are remembered by words they often spoke.
A favourite scripture, inspirational quote, family motto, or personal saying can become the central design element of the fabric.
Every time someone wears the attire, those words continue to inspire others.
6. Celebrate Achievements Through Symbols
Rather than printing a photograph, consider symbols that represent the person’s life’s work.
A professor may be represented by books or a graduation cap.
A medical doctor by a stethoscope.
A farmer by crops.
A musician by musical notes.
A teacher by a pen or open book.
These symbolic elements communicate a lifetime of service without relying on a portrait.
7. Use Cultural Patterns and Heritage
Families can incorporate traditional motifs, tribal patterns, family crests, or cultural designs that reflect the heritage and identity of the deceased.
This creates a timeless fabric with cultural significance.
8. Add a QR Code
Technology has introduced another exciting option.
A QR code can be printed discreetly within the fabric design. When scanned, it can lead guests to a memorial website, photo gallery, tribute video, biography, or digital condolence book.
The fabric remains elegant while preserving the person’s story digitally.
9. Use Dates Creatively
Birth and remembrance dates can be incorporated artistically into repeating patterns or decorative borders, making the design meaningful without being obvious.
10. Design Around a Favourite Object
Sometimes a person’s favourite object tells their story.
It could be a fountain pen, a Bible, a crown, a musical instrument, a walking stick, a flower, a vehicle, or any object closely associated with their life and legacy.
These elements can become beautiful design features.
The Future of Memorial Fabrics
Customized Ankara fabrics are evolving beyond portraits. Today’s families are looking for designs that honour their loved ones while remaining elegant enough to wear again.
At Ola Daviva, we believe every life deserves a unique story, and there are many creative ways to tell that story through fabric.
Whether you choose a memorial website, a family emblem, meaningful symbols, inspirational words, cultural motifs, or modern digital elements, your customized Ankara can preserve memories beautifully without relying solely on photographs.
If you are planning a burial, remembrance service, anniversary, or celebration of life, let us help you create a customized fabric that reflects dignity, elegance, and lasting memories.
Ola Daviva specializes in premium customized Ankara fabrics for burials, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, church events, corporate celebrations, and family occasions across Nigeria and West Africa.
Because every fabric should tell a story worth wearing.
