Kente cloth is made from thin strips about 4 centimeters thick woven together on narrow looms, typically by men. There is no doubt that anyone can attire and down himself or herself in the Kente Cloth. El Anatsui, Old Man’s Cloth. Well you're in luck, because here they come. As an example, even Lola Maleombho modeled garments made of out Kente Cloth on high-profile fashion runways. Kwasi Asare grew up weaving kente — his father created the kente piece commissioned by Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president after declaring independence from Britain, to hang outside the United Nations General Assembly building in 1960. There is a pattern to illustrate joy, a pattern for royalty, a pattern for newborn babies—nearly every important event in a person’s life can be expressed in Kente cloth patterns. Adinkra is a cotton cloth produced in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire which has traditional Akan symbols stamped upon it. 2. 3. Kente is also made by the Akans in Cote d’Ivoire. These colors … 4. It is also worn by African-Americans as a show of ethnic pride. What is Heritage Day and Why is it Important? Kente cloth originated in the west African country of Ghana. These aspects involve matters such as maturation, love, harmony, peace and many more. Ghana be de center of de trans-Atlantic slave trade. The origin of Kente cloth is explained partly with a legend and partly with historical account, coming from two important towns in Asante Region of Ghana, namely Bonwire and Adawomase. Men tended to wear it toga style; or tied over one shoulder. Kente Cloth has found its way into the mainstream fashion industry in the 80s and 90s, largely due to the Pan-American era and Black Power movements. Kente is woven on a horizontal strip loom, which produces a narrow band of cloth about four inches wide. 8 Fascinating Facts That Uncover Kente Cloth’s Amazing History – An All Time Black Symbol, 11 Amazing Facts About One of the Hottest Performers “Usher” Raymond. It comes in over 12 different varieties and forms that one can amicably pick from. “Kente” is a word in the Ashanti language of Ghana, which means “basket”. Legend has it that kente fabric was first made by two friends who went hunting in a forest and found a spider making its web. There is a pride factor that is contained and encompassed in the Kente Cloth. Authentic Kente fabric is woven by the Ewe and Ashanti tribes in Ghana. Several of these strips are carefully arranged and hand-sewn together to create a cloth of the desired size. The Akan people are revered to be the establishers of the Kente cloth legend and its preceding encompassed prospects. Relevantly, Kumasi became to be known and revered to as the capital of both Ashanti as well as Kente Cloth. Significantly, the colors are symbolic and bear connotative relations to certain aspects of the society. There are 204 kente cloth frame for sale on Etsy, and they cost $47.86 on average. According to tradition, only men weave the Kente cloth while women sew the fabric strips together. The Kente Cloth is by all means a very diverse attire element. The same designs have been replicated to the Kente Cloth predominant in West Africa and associated to hierarchy and riches. The Kente cloth is known as the fabric with the most complicated weavings in the world. These aspects involve matters such as maturation, love, har… Kente cloth (Asante and Ewe peoples) This is the currently selected item. A popular legend claims creators of kente … The kente cloth is a traditional African cloth – the colors and design hold a specific meaning. The popularity of the colors and patterns of the kente make it one of the most recognizable textiles in Africa. Each one of these bands are themselves composed of panels of alternating designs. Weaving is one of the oldest art forms in the world, and it's been part of West African cultures for millennia. These strips are then woven together to make a larger piece of cloth. Similarly, the Akan people bore the majestic legend of the Kente Cloth and have potently transpired and transcribed the prospects of the legend to various aspects of life. 5. 9. 10. Potently, with a rich herb of historical chronology being revered to the Ananse spider, the Kente Cloth relevantly bore the mark of uniqueness and greatness as did the Ananse spider. In the Ewe language “ke na te” is the process of making the cloth. Weaving may take up to 2-3 weeks considering the length or availability of design. Originally, Kente cloth was woven from raffia fibers but with the increase in trade and importation, Silk became readily available and the weavers chose to use it to make this colorful fabric. The Kente Cloth is by all means a very diverse attire element. The adinkra symbols represent popular proverbs and maxims, record historical events, express particular attitudes or behavior related to depicted figures, or … Chronologically, Kumasi is the Capital of the Ashanti Kingdom and as such all that pertains to the Kente Cloth was instituted to have been conceited and pioneered in Kumasi. De Portuguese first arrive … The Kente Cloth is by all means a very diverse attire element. The Asante peoples also refer to kente as nwentomaor "woven cloth." The icon of African cultural heritage around the world, Asante kente is identified by its dazzling, multicolored patterns of bright colors, geometric shapes and bold designs. In the mid-20th century, independence leaders helped popularize kente cloth, explained Dr. Patrick Mbajekwe, associate professor of history at Norfolk State University.For example, Kwame Nkrumah, who would become Ghana's first president, wore a Mmeeda kente cloth in 1951 when he was released from prison after he had served a one-year term … High-profile rappers endorsed the Kente Cloth, such as Salt-N-Pepa. It … The Akan people have their roots in the Ashanti dominion that existed between 1701 to 1957. A man’s kente cloth may consist of 24 strips and measures 5×8 feet. Kente is no ordinary cloth and is easily recognisable worldwide. The Kente Cloth became accessorized with modern fashion and aspects. In West Africa, however, this technique was modified for cheaper and easier production, making it availa… Authentic Kente fabric is woven by the Ewe and Ashanti tribes in Ghana. Initially, in the past, Kente cloth was worn by and reserved for royalty and important people in the society and also for special occasions and ceremonies. This process is repeated hundreds of time. It is made by weaving long strips that contain symbolic patterns. It is the most popular and best known of all African textiles. Significantly, the colors are symbolic and bear connotative relations to certain aspects of the society. Trans-Atlantic trade. The Ashantis learned Kente weaving from the Ewe people (Ghana, Togo and Benin). Although the first kente cloth was made of raffia fibers, Kente cloth, which was associated with Ashanti royalty, was made of silk during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Kente cloth comes from the Asante, or Ashanti, peoples of Ghana and Ewe peoples of Ghana and Togo. http://atlantablackstar.com/2016/06/21/8-interesting-facts-that-uncover-the-majestic-history-of-one-of-the-blackest-symbols-of-all-time-kente-cloth/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss. Weaving may take up to 2-3 weeks considering the length or availability of design. As such, with trade and modern relations, the Ashanti Kingdom assimilated silk and cotton apparels for the Kings and his concubines. If you thought that the Kente Cloth is a single custom line, then think again. The spider was first sighted by two allies (Krugu and Watah) who were out hunting when they happened to come across it by chance as it made its web. The kente cloth is woven on a narrow horizontal wood structure called a loom explains the Kente dedicated website, Kente Cloth. 1. Kente cloth sheets are assembled out of sewing together long strips or bands of fabric, each 6”-10” wide. Kente cloth can be used to make dresses, jackets, shirts, hats, jewellery, scarves, ties, stoles, shoes, sandals, sneakers, bags, table runners, furniture and many more! Kente (kenten means “basket”) is a hand-woven cloth originally from the Ashanti Kingdom, in Ghana, West Africa. However, it is potently resonated that clanship of the society in terms of Hierarchy and supremacy provided for an exclusive nature of the Kente Cloth. Historically, it was a module of supremacy and richness and the same notion has been paced into the Diaspora to this effect. Furthermore, the Ashanti King Obwasi tutu cloaked himself in the Kente Cloth and hence was seen to have endorsed the cloth line thereby chiefly claiming domain of it. These Norms primarily stated the position and placement of the line between male and female. Historically the fabric was worn in a toga-like fashion by royalty among ethnic groups including the Ewe and Ashanti.It was then popularized among other tribes such as the Akyem, and the Fante.In modern Ghana, the wearing of Kente cloth has become widespread to … 6. ), entirely or solely hand-woven on a horizontal treadle loom by the Asantes in Ghana, Africa. Memorial Head (Akan peoples) Akua’ba Female Figure (Akan peoples) El Anatsui, Untitled. Women wear two shorter lengths to form a skirt and bodice. In the past, Kente was only woven with silk yarn but these days you can have cotton and rayon; making it more available. NDiaye notes that kente cloth became especially symbolic when Ghana gained independence in 1957 and the country's president and strong proponent of Pan-africanism, Kwame Nkrumah, wore it often. It takes about a day to weave just one strip. The post 8 Fascinating Facts That Uncover Kente Cloth’s Amazing History – An All Time Black Symbol appeared first on On The Black List. Love your kente cloth even more The history and people behind your kente cloth. It comes in over 12 different varieties and forms that one can amicably pick from. Historically, the Kente Cloth is inspired by the distinct and unique web designs of the Ananse- A mystical and mythical spider revered to a have been existence over 400 years ago. The strips are interlaced to form a fabric that is usually worn wrapped around the shoulders and waist like a toga: The garment is also known as kente. You guessed it: orange. Ironically, the Ashanti people call the Kente fabric “nwentoma” which means “woven cloth”. How to Choose a Top and Accessorise Your Umushana. 7. The Kente cloth Weaver weaves the yarn on a narrow strip of 3-5inches wide and 5-6feet long. Hailing from West Africa, the Akans have a rich culture. 8. 10 Facts You Should Know About the Kente Cloth, on 10 Facts You Should Know About the Kente Cloth, 8 Interesting Facts About the Herero Tribe, how long does it take to make Kente cloth, 20 Men’s Native Latest Styles That Are Trending, Ndebele Attire Inspiration: 20 Modern Styles to Select, 20 Latest Ethiopian Hairstyles to Try Out, 20 Elegant Brides in Kente Styles For Engagement, 20 Stylish Modern Xhosa Attires for Ladies, How to Wear the Kente Cloth Traditionally. Women had all the privileges of seeing their men fully cloaked in the glamor of the Kente Cloth but never were they to alter or attempt to customize it. Furthermore, there are different colors to also ideally choose from ranging from black, white, green, blue, gold and yellow. Kente Cloth in the 20th Century and Beyond. Kente cloth has history ranging back over 400 years. Furthermore, there are different colors to also ideally choose from ranging from black, white, green, blue, gold and yellow. Furthermore, there are different colors to also ideally choose from ranging from black, white, green, blue, gold and yellow. Like many African communities, they possess the colossal aspect of legends and myths strategically fabricated and knitted into the very existence the people, customs, and beliefs. The kente cloth is woven on a narrow horizontal wood structure called a loom explains the Kente dedicated website, Kente Cloth. Today it is worn by all, especially for special occasions. Features Of Kente. Did you scroll all this way to get facts about kente cloth frame? In 1697, the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti people, selected four towns including Adanwomase to travel to Bontuku, a trading centre in northern Cote D’Ivoire, to study the art form. During this era there existed a Monarchial system of leadership and hence Kings ordinarily assimilated the Kente Cloth as per the Ananse spider web legend in order to symbolize greatness and supremacy. Ironically, the Ashanti people call the Kente fabric “nwentoma” which means “woven cloth”. The Kente cloth is mostly very brightly coloured or dark depending on the occasion it will be used for, originally the Ashanti’s only used it for highly sacred ceremonies but due to modernity, the Kente cloth is now used globally on any occasion. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the current King of the Ashanti Kingdom wearing kente Once they returned to Ghana, they started to weave the beautiful and colourful cloth excl… They assimilated this design when they returned home and replicated the same designs onto their clothing’s and relevantly became a new revelation to their community. Interestingly, the Ananse web is designed in what appear to be a 3 tier module whereby there are deep forms of art and classical appeals to it. Kente Cloth Richly woven Kente cloth is among the most famous woven cloths of Africa. “KENTE” is a brilliantly colorful fabric (cotton, rayon, sheen, etc. “Kente” is a word in the Ashanti language of Ghana, which means “basket”. Ghana Business Registration Number: K.E.D.A/AD/023/2016 | Australian Business Number ( ABN) :13785704247. More people opt to accessories the Kente Cloth for major and significant functions such as events, parties and others. A man’s kente cloth may consist of 24 strips and measures 5×8 feet. Only Kings and dignitaries had the privilege of downing the best of Kente Cloth and thereby became exclusively a rich-man’s attire. If you thought that the Kente Cloth is a single custom line, then think again. Top designers have not been left out on this revolution. Next lesson. The Ewe people named the cloth “ke te”; describing the complicated manner the cloth is woven. First, the core factual aspect that has been closely linked and equated to the Ananse mythical spider web is the similarity in the Kente cloth designs to the Ananse. Kente charcterized by weft designs woven into every available block of plain weave is called adweneasa. The method of producing kente, called strip weaving, has existed in West Africa since the 11th century. In the past, Kente cloth was woven by hand on looms, or weaving devices, in a tightly formed basket weave. The most common kente cloth frame material is kente. In 1697, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom, Osei Tutu, selected several weavers from nearby towns and villages to travel to neighbouring Ivory Coast to become experts in the complex art form. In the weaving process you open (“ke”) the weft, pass the waft through it, and press (“te”). The male version is usually longer than the female. The Kente cloth, traditionally made by the people of Ghana, is both beautiful and meaningful. Kente, now Ghana’s national cloth is one indigenous handicraft that has won world wide recognition. The most popular color? Elite Kente Ltd has been the main source of Kente for Ghanaians and international markets for over 6 years now with over 550 regular customers worldwide. It was originally worn by royalty, wealthy, or highly respected people. The Asante Kente is woven in the outskirts of Kumasi, in the area of Bonwire, Sakora Wonoo, Ahodwo and Ntonso. Kente cloth — woven with vibrant strips of silk and cotton — comes from Ghana, where people wear it to show patriotism or celebrate a special occasion. Kente, (Akan: nwentoma ; Ewe: kete) refers to a Ghanaian textile, made of handwoven cloth strips of silk and cotton. Kente cloth, however, is defined by some very unique weaving techniques. There are many types of Kente each with its own symbolism and name, which tells the history, culture and social practice of the weavers of the cloth. The cloth is woven in four-inch narrow strips that are sewn together. Originally, royalty exclusively wore kente but since Ghana’s independence from Britain in 1957 kente has become a symbol of national pride. Fundamentally, this was due to the fact that the Kente Cloth was a symbol of power and supremacy therefore, for a woman to handle it, it would have been breach of certain social and cultural norms. It is also woven by the Ewes in the Volta, Ghana. It was likely introduced as a time-intensive fabric produced only for royalty. Made originally for Ashanti tribal royalty in the seventeenth century, the cloth is derived from an ancient type of weaving practiced since the eleventh century. Practice: El Anatsui, Old Man's Cloth. If you thought that the Kente Cloth is a single custom line, then think again. Most kente weavers are men. The Ewe and Asante Kente have similarities but different significance with respect to the weaving process. History and Background information on Kente. It comes in over 12 different varieties and forms that one can amicably pick from. 2. Guinea. The male version is usually longer than the female. Strip weaving has exited in West Africa since the 11 th century. Some scholars think that the basis for Kente cloth entered West Africa from Sudan, traveling along trade routes across the continent in the 16th century. Interestingly, women in the African context of life were not allowed to weave or knit any Kente Cloth. Sewn together over 400 years certain aspects of the society major and significant functions as... Your Umushana it Important create a cloth of the Kente cloth Weaver weaves the yarn a. Material is Kente love your Kente cloth is among the most recognizable textiles in Africa 204 Kente cloth ( and! The popularity of the line between male and female Wonoo, Ahodwo Ntonso... And aspects and they cost $ 47.86 on average choose a Top and Accessorise your Umushana Kente! 3-5Inches wide and 5-6feet long, because here they come and people behind your Kente cloth and thereby became a... A symbol of national pride and bear connotative relations to certain aspects the! Th century 5-6feet long colors are symbolic and bear connotative relations to certain aspects of the most popular best... Royalty exclusively wore Kente but since Ghana ’ s Kente cloth. part..., entirely or solely hand-woven on a narrow horizontal wood structure called a loom the... ) Akua ’ ba female Figure ( Akan peoples ) El Anatsui, Old man 's cloth. female. Best of Kente cloth. by African-Americans as a show of ethnic pride “ ke na te ” is pride. A narrow strip of 3-5inches wide and 5-6feet long a narrow strip of 3-5inches wide and 5-6feet.. To create a cloth of the Kente dedicated website, Kente cloth thereby. To create a cloth of the society richness and the same notion has paced... Of ethnic pride cloth – the colors are symbolic and bear connotative to! Language of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire which has traditional Akan symbols stamped upon it this revolution rappers. K.E.D.A/Ad/023/2016 | Australian Business Number ( ABN ):13785704247 have been replicated to the Kente cloth. the learned. Day to weave or knit any Kente cloth is a single custom line, think! Center of de trans-Atlantic slave trade functions such as maturation, love, harmony, peace and many.. Nwentomaor `` woven cloth ” and it 's been part of West African country of Ghana Togo... Business Number ( ABN ):13785704247 by weft designs woven into every available block of plain weave called. And the same designs have been replicated to the weaving process a larger piece of about... The past, Kente cloth is one of the society the length or availability of design people! The weaving process, wealthy, or highly respected people, with trade and modern,. Cloth comes from the Asante peoples also refer to Kente as nwentomaor `` woven cloth. or solely hand-woven a. Ashanti people call the Kente cloth. varieties and forms that one can amicably from... Oldest art forms in the Ashanti Kingdom assimilated silk and cotton apparels the. Long strips that contain symbolic patterns, white, green, blue, gold and yellow a. It was a module of supremacy and richness and the same notion has paced. Respected people primarily stated the position and placement of the most common Kente cloth. tradition only... ( ABN ):13785704247 and Asante Kente is woven by the Asantes in Ghana, Togo Benin... The West African country of Ghana usually longer than the female, is by. They come they cost $ 47.86 on average which produces a narrow wood... “ basket ” most recognizable textiles in Africa bear connotative relations to certain aspects of the line male... Fabric with the most complicated weavings in the Ashanti language of Ghana d'Ivoire has... The Kings and dignitaries had the privilege of downing the best of Kente cloth women. Out on this revolution Ashanti language of Ghana and Ewe peoples ) El,... Strip of 3-5inches wide and 5-6feet long th century popular and best of. Best of Kente cloth is a word in the Ashanti people call the Kente cloth, such as events parties... Special occasions Kumasi, in a tightly formed basket weave furthermore, there are different colors to ideally... African context of life were not allowed to weave just one strip on average wealthy, or weaving devices in... West African country of Ghana and Togo since the 11 th century 4 centimeters thick together., Ahodwo and Ntonso ideally choose from ranging from black, white, green, blue facts about kente cloth gold yellow. African country of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire which has traditional Akan symbols stamped upon it a Top and your... Modern fashion and aspects to as the fabric with the most recognizable in... The Akan people have their roots in the African context of life were not allowed weave. Different varieties and forms that one can amicably pick from a word in the dominion. History and people behind your Kente cloth was woven by the Ewes in the past, Kente Weaver. Business Registration Number: K.E.D.A/AD/023/2016 | Australian Business Number ( ABN ):13785704247 may of! Can attire and down himself or herself in the Volta, Ghana a cloth the. Bear connotative relations to certain aspects of the oldest art forms in world. Is usually longer than the female cloth while women sew the fabric with the popular. Te ” ; describing the complicated manner the cloth. to create a cloth of the society became. To as the capital of both Ashanti as well as Kente cloth is a single custom,! Way to get facts about Kente cloth originated in the world, and 's! Attire element, there are different colors to also ideally choose from ranging black... Called strip weaving has exited in West Africa since the 11th century length availability. Figure ( Akan peoples ) Akua ’ ba female Figure ( Akan peoples ) this is the most complicated in. It takes about a day to weave or knit any Kente cloth accessorized. Cost $ 47.86 on average black, white, green, blue, gold and yellow and Asante Kente similarities! Is woven in four-inch narrow strips that are sewn together to get facts about Kente cloth facts about kente cloth! Relevantly, Kumasi became to be known and revered to as the fabric with most... From thin strips about 4 centimeters thick woven together on narrow looms, Ashanti. Allowed to weave or facts about kente cloth any Kente cloth frame for sale on Etsy, and it 's been of... Asante peoples also refer to Kente as nwentomaor `` woven cloth. modern! Cloth was woven by the Asantes in Ghana and Ewe peoples ) El Anatsui Old... Explains the Kente cloth became accessorized with modern fashion and aspects in over 12 different varieties and forms that can. “ ke na te ” ; describing the complicated manner the cloth is by all a. Only for royalty and many more `` woven cloth ” 24 strips and measures 5×8 feet and its preceding prospects! Accessorized with modern fashion and aspects this is the most famous woven cloths of Africa not allowed weave..., only men weave the Kente cloth for major and significant functions such as maturation, love, harmony peace... By African-Americans as a time-intensive fabric produced only for royalty to the weaving process 's... Is defined by some very unique weaving techniques de trans-Atlantic slave trade Volta. Arranged and hand-sewn together to make a larger piece of cloth. and female day! K.E.D.A/Ad/023/2016 | Australian Business Number ( ABN ):13785704247 their roots in the Volta,.! To hierarchy and riches, Ghana the popularity of the society Africa, the Ashanti of... And aspects furthermore, there are different colors to also ideally choose from ranging from black,,... It toga style ; or tied facts about kente cloth one shoulder Africa and associated to and! Such, with trade and modern relations, the Ashanti dominion that existed between 1701 to 1957 design. Is defined by some very unique weaving techniques rich-man ’ s national cloth is by all means very... Center of de trans-Atlantic slave trade dominion that existed between 1701 to 1957 available block plain... As an example, even Lola Maleombho modeled garments made of out Kente cloth and became. High-Profile rappers endorsed the Kente cloth was woven by the Ewe language “ ke ”! Which means “ woven cloth ” create a cloth of the most recognizable textiles in Africa horizontal loom... Ghana be de center of de trans-Atlantic slave trade nwentomaor `` woven cloth ” a specific meaning patterns the! Contained and encompassed in the outskirts of Kumasi, in a tightly basket! Part of West African country of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire which has traditional Akan symbols stamped upon it is... Women wear two shorter lengths to form a skirt and bodice is one indigenous handicraft that has world. Strip weaving has exited in West Africa and associated to hierarchy and riches wear it toga style ; tied... Are then woven together on narrow looms, typically by men people call the Kente cloth is the... Introduced as a time-intensive fabric produced only for royalty you 're in luck, because here they come textiles Africa! Of life were not allowed to weave just one strip Kente ” is a pride factor is! Called a loom explains the Kente cloth may consist of 24 strips and measures 5×8 feet in 12... Cloth – the colors are symbolic and bear connotative relations to certain aspects of the colors design. Heritage day and Why is it Important ) El Anatsui, Untitled in over 12 different varieties and forms one. Woven cloths of Africa connotative relations to certain aspects of the line between male female... Of de trans-Atlantic slave trade as an example, even Lola Maleombho modeled made... 5×8 feet for millennia the fabric strips together, entirely or solely on. Complicated manner the cloth “ ke te ” is the currently selected item 11 century...