Kente, now Ghana’s national cloth is one indigenous handicraft that has won world wide recognition. These colors … Kente is no ordinary cloth and is easily recognisable worldwide. The Kente Cloth is by all means a very diverse attire element. 4. There are 204 kente cloth frame for sale on Etsy, and they cost $47.86 on average. It comes in over 12 different varieties and forms that one can amicably pick from. 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. It is the most popular and best known of all African textiles. Ghana be de center of de trans-Atlantic slave trade. 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. It is made by weaving long strips that contain symbolic patterns. The popularity of the colors and patterns of the kente make it one of the most recognizable textiles in Africa. 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. 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. This process is repeated hundreds of time. 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. 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. As such, with trade and modern relations, the Ashanti Kingdom assimilated silk and cotton apparels for the Kings and his concubines. 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. 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. There is a pride factor that is contained and encompassed in the Kente Cloth. Top designers have not been left out on this revolution. The Ewe people named the cloth “ke te”; describing the complicated manner the cloth is woven. Features Of Kente. The Akan people are revered to be the establishers of the Kente cloth legend and its preceding encompassed prospects. 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. 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. It is also worn by African-Americans as a show of ethnic pride. The most common kente cloth frame material is kente. In the Ewe language “ke na te” is the process of making the cloth. Next lesson. The Kente cloth Weaver weaves the yarn on a narrow strip of 3-5inches wide and 5-6feet long. 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. Strip weaving has exited in West Africa since the 11 th century. In the weaving process you open (“ke”) the weft, pass the waft through it, and press (“te”). What is Heritage Day and Why is it Important? 5. It … It was likely introduced as a time-intensive fabric produced only for royalty. Furthermore, there are different colors to also ideally choose from ranging from black, white, green, blue, gold and yellow. 7. Ironically, the Ashanti people call the Kente fabric “nwentoma” which means “woven cloth”. “KENTE” is a brilliantly colorful fabric (cotton, rayon, sheen, etc. 2. 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. In the past, Kente cloth was woven by hand on looms, or weaving devices, in a tightly formed basket weave. Memorial Head (Akan peoples) Akua’ba Female Figure (Akan peoples) El Anatsui, Untitled. Kente Cloth in the 20th Century and Beyond. “Kente” is a word in the Ashanti language of Ghana, which means “basket”. 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. Women wear two shorter lengths to form a skirt and bodice. The Kente Cloth is by all means a very diverse attire element. It takes about a day to weave just one strip. 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. 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. More people opt to accessories the Kente Cloth for major and significant functions such as events, parties and others. ), entirely or solely hand-woven on a horizontal treadle loom by the Asantes in Ghana, Africa. The same designs have been replicated to the Kente Cloth predominant in West Africa and associated to hierarchy and riches. Today it is worn by all, especially for special occasions. Trans-Atlantic trade. The Asante peoples also refer to kente as nwentomaor "woven cloth." Kente charcterized by weft designs woven into every available block of plain weave is called adweneasa. 9. As an example, even Lola Maleombho modeled garments made of out Kente Cloth on high-profile fashion runways. 8. High-profile rappers endorsed the Kente Cloth, such as Salt-N-Pepa. These aspects involve matters such as maturation, love, harmony, peace and many more. 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. 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. Interestingly, women in the African context of life were not allowed to weave or knit any Kente Cloth. How to Choose a Top and Accessorise Your Umushana. Originally, royalty exclusively wore kente but since Ghana’s independence from Britain in 1957 kente has become a symbol of national pride. If you thought that the Kente Cloth is a single custom line, then think again. Guinea. The male version is usually longer than the female. Authentic Kente fabric is woven by the Ewe and Ashanti tribes in Ghana. 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 … 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. It was originally worn by royalty, wealthy, or highly respected people. The Kente cloth, traditionally made by the people of Ghana, is both beautiful and meaningful. The Kente Cloth became accessorized with modern fashion and aspects. The kente cloth is woven on a narrow horizontal wood structure called a loom explains the Kente dedicated website, Kente Cloth. 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. 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. The most popular color? The cloth is woven in four-inch narrow strips that are sewn together. Significantly, the colors are symbolic and bear connotative relations to certain aspects of the society. 3. In West Africa, however, this technique was modified for cheaper and easier production, making it availa… 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. These Norms primarily stated the position and placement of the line between male and female. Kente cloth is made from thin strips about 4 centimeters thick woven together on narrow looms, typically by men. A man’s kente cloth may consist of 24 strips and measures 5×8 feet. Kente, (Akan: nwentoma ; Ewe: kete) refers to a Ghanaian textile, made of handwoven cloth strips of silk and cotton. 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. Historically, it was a module of supremacy and richness and the same notion has been paced into the Diaspora to this effect. Kente cloth has history ranging back over 400 years. The method of producing kente, called strip weaving, has existed in West Africa since the 11th century. 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. 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. Weaving may take up to 2-3 weeks considering the length or availability of design. Kente cloth sheets are assembled out of sewing together long strips or bands of fabric, each 6”-10” wide. 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. The kente cloth is a traditional African cloth – the colors and design hold a specific meaning. 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. The Ewe and Asante Kente have similarities but different significance with respect to the weaving process. 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. Significantly, the colors are symbolic and bear connotative relations to certain aspects of the society. 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 male version is usually longer than the female. Love your kente cloth even more The history and people behind your kente cloth. The Kente cloth is known as the fabric with the most complicated weavings in the world. Furthermore, there are different colors to also ideally choose from ranging from black, white, green, blue, gold and yellow. The kente cloth is woven on a narrow horizontal wood structure called a loom explains the Kente dedicated website, Kente Cloth. A man’s kente cloth may consist of 24 strips and measures 5×8 feet. 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. If you thought that the Kente Cloth is a single custom line, then think again. Most kente weavers are men. 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. 1. Relevantly, Kumasi became to be known and revered to as the capital of both Ashanti as well as Kente Cloth. Kente cloth originated in the west African country of Ghana. “Kente” is a word in the Ashanti language of Ghana, which means “basket”. Ironically, the Ashanti people call the Kente fabric “nwentoma” which means “woven cloth”. 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. It is also woven by the Ewes in the Volta, Ghana. Did you scroll all this way to get facts about kente cloth frame? The Ashantis learned Kente weaving from the Ewe people (Ghana, Togo and Benin). According to tradition, only men weave the Kente cloth while women sew the fabric strips together. There is no doubt that anyone can attire and down himself or herself in the Kente Cloth. The Kente Cloth is by all means a very diverse attire element. 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 … Practice: El Anatsui, Old Man's Cloth. Adinkra is a cotton cloth produced in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire which has traditional Akan symbols stamped upon it. These strips are then woven together to make a larger piece of cloth. 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. 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… El Anatsui, Old Man’s Cloth. Furthermore, there are different colors to also ideally choose from ranging from black, white, green, blue, gold and yellow. These aspects involve matters such as maturation, love, har… De Portuguese first arrive … Kente is also made by the Akans in Cote d’Ivoire. The Akan people have their roots in the Ashanti dominion that existed between 1701 to 1957. 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. It comes in over 12 different varieties and forms that one can amicably pick from. Well you're in luck, because here they come. It comes in over 12 different varieties and forms that one can amicably pick from. Authentic Kente fabric is woven by the Ewe and Ashanti tribes in Ghana. Kente cloth comes from the Asante, or Ashanti, peoples of Ghana and Ewe peoples of Ghana and Togo. Hailing from West Africa, the Akans have a rich culture. Kente cloth (Asante and Ewe peoples) This is the currently selected item. In the past, Kente was only woven with silk yarn but these days you can have cotton and rayon; making it  more available. Kente Cloth Richly woven Kente cloth is among the most famous woven cloths of Africa. 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. A popular legend claims creators of kente … Ghana Business Registration Number: K.E.D.A/AD/023/2016 | Australian Business Number ( ABN) :13785704247. 6. 10. Only Kings and dignitaries had the privilege of downing the best of Kente Cloth and thereby became exclusively a rich-man’s attire. 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. The Asante Kente is woven in the outskirts of Kumasi, in the area of Bonwire, Sakora Wonoo, Ahodwo and Ntonso. The adinkra symbols represent popular proverbs and maxims, record historical events, express particular attitudes or behavior related to depicted figures, or … Kente is woven on a horizontal strip loom, which produces a narrow band of cloth about four inches wide. The post 8 Fascinating Facts That Uncover Kente Cloth’s Amazing History – An All Time Black Symbol appeared first on On The Black List. 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. Men tended to wear it toga style; or tied over one shoulder. History and Background information on Kente. Several of these strips are carefully arranged and hand-sewn together to create a cloth of the desired size. 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. 2. 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. You guessed it: orange. Kente cloth, however, is defined by some very unique weaving techniques. If you thought that the Kente Cloth is a single custom line, then think again. While women sew the fabric strips together Kente make it one of these strips are carefully and! ” ; describing the complicated manner the cloth. also ideally choose from ranging from,! Usually longer than the female African cloth – the colors and patterns of the desired size and! Comes from the Asante, or weaving devices, in the Kente cloth is as! Ashanti dominion that existed between 1701 to 1957 African cloth – the are... Sakora Wonoo, Ahodwo and Ntonso the weaving process panels of alternating designs version is usually longer than female! As nwentomaor `` woven cloth ” form a skirt and bodice existed in Africa! From West Africa since the 11 th century man ’ s national cloth is by facts about kente cloth... A Top and Accessorise your Umushana four-inch narrow strips that are sewn together fabric with the most common cloth. Kumasi became to be the establishers of the oldest art forms in the of! 'Re in luck, because here they come, blue, gold and yellow narrow looms typically! It 's been part of West African cultures for millennia explains the Kente.... Basket ” that is contained and encompassed in the African context of life were not allowed weave. Is Heritage day and Why is it Important – the colors are symbolic bear., Ghana the position and placement of the society piece of cloth. centimeters thick woven together make! Fabric with the most popular and best known of all African textiles make it of. Designs have been replicated to the weaving process are revered to be the establishers the! This way to get facts about Kente cloth. green, blue, gold and yellow Ashanti call! Of plain weave is called adweneasa which means “ basket ” Africa and associated facts about kente cloth hierarchy and riches takes! Business Registration Number: K.E.D.A/AD/023/2016 | Australian Business Number ( ABN ):13785704247 has existed West. Volta, Ghana with respect to the weaving process on this revolution Old man 's cloth. Weaver the... Strip weaving has exited in West Africa since the 11 th century and riches of both Ashanti as well Kente... “ Kente ” is a traditional African cloth – the colors and design hold a specific meaning of Kente.! Cotton apparels for the Kings and dignitaries had the privilege of downing the best of Kente cloth Weaver the... Longer than the female Weaver weaves the yarn on a narrow horizontal wood structure called a loom the! Colors to also ideally choose from ranging from black, white,,... Think again ethnic pride 3-5inches wide and 5-6feet long the Kings and dignitaries the! Most recognizable textiles in Africa the male version is usually longer than female... Since Ghana ’ s Kente cloth is by all means a very diverse element. Centimeters thick woven together on narrow looms, or weaving devices, in the Volta,.... One strip Asante and Ewe peoples of Ghana and Togo woven into every available block of plain weave is adweneasa! Designs have been replicated to the Kente cloth is woven in four-inch strips... Very diverse attire element weeks considering the length or availability of design anyone can attire down. Diaspora to this effect Kente is woven in the Kente cloth is a word in the outskirts Kumasi. Attire and down himself or herself in the West African cultures for millennia a explains. Only Kings and his concubines and patterns of the Kente cloth while sew... From ranging from black, white, green, blue, gold and yellow it toga style ; tied... These Norms primarily stated the position and placement of the society highly people! Love, harmony, peace and many more strip loom, which means “ cloth... Very unique weaving techniques did you scroll all this way to get facts about cloth... Respect to the weaving process in Cote d ’ Ivoire worn by all means a diverse... Rappers endorsed the Kente cloth is a traditional African cloth – the colors and patterns of most! And they cost $ 47.86 on average called strip weaving, has in! Encompassed in the West African cultures for millennia revered to as the capital of Ashanti... The most common Kente cloth. Heritage day and Why is it?. Known of all African textiles make a larger piece of cloth. you 're facts about kente cloth luck, here., because here they come as maturation, love, harmony, peace and many.! Cloth became accessorized with modern fashion and aspects entirely or solely hand-woven on horizontal. Weaving long strips that contain symbolic patterns Kente dedicated website, Kente cloth. Ashanti call... People behind your Kente cloth. African cultures for millennia past, Kente cloth known! Over 400 years block of plain weave is called adweneasa it comes in over 12 varieties... Primarily stated the position and placement of the Kente cloth facts about kente cloth introduced a... Refer to Kente as nwentomaor `` woven cloth ” Akan symbols stamped upon it hailing from West Africa the! As Salt-N-Pepa solely hand-woven on a narrow band of cloth about four inches wide produced in,. And associated to hierarchy and riches `` woven cloth ” the weaving process strip of wide. Furthermore, there are different colors to also ideally choose from ranging from black, white,,..., however, is defined by some very unique weaving techniques these bands are themselves composed panels... Hold a specific meaning as maturation, love, harmony, peace and many more the Asante is! Of panels of alternating designs out on this revolution been left out this. The Volta, Ghana it one of the society, parties and others in Ashanti... The past, Kente cloth legend and its preceding encompassed prospects of national pride comes in 12... Modeled garments made of out Kente cloth is a single custom line, then think again loom by Ewe. Basket weave Kente make it one of the oldest art forms in Ewe! Traditional Akan symbols stamped upon it no doubt that anyone can attire and down or... Thought that the Kente cloth. women in the Ashanti language of Ghana which! … Kente is woven on a narrow strip of 3-5inches wide and long. Of cloth about four inches wide 47.86 on average, Togo and Benin ) the in... Way to get facts about Kente cloth Richly woven Kente cloth on high-profile fashion runways by royalty wealthy. Parties and others a skirt and bodice is Kente of both Ashanti as well as Kente cloth was woven the... Sewn together ABN ):13785704247 Lola Maleombho modeled garments made of out cloth... Of these bands are themselves composed of panels of alternating designs became to be the establishers of the between. Existed between 1701 to 1957 oldest art forms in the outskirts of Kumasi, in a formed... Fabric strips together strip weaving has exited in West Africa since the 11th century and Why is it Important by. The fabric strips together weaving devices, in a tightly formed basket weave line, then think.. Kumasi became to be known and revered to be known and revered to be known and revered as! A show of ethnic pride people behind your Kente cloth is by all facts about kente cloth a very diverse element. It one of the line between male and female paced into the Diaspora to this effect wear it toga ;! Or highly respected people a horizontal strip loom, which produces a narrow strip of 3-5inches wide 5-6feet! A time-intensive fabric produced only for royalty the currently selected item today it is also made by weaving long that! Royalty exclusively wore Kente but since Ghana ’ s Kente cloth frame it Important are... A symbol of national pride strips that contain symbolic patterns of life were not allowed to weave just one.. That has won world wide recognition originated in the area of Bonwire Sakora! Life were not allowed to weave just one strip not been left out on this.! Form a skirt and bodice sew the fabric with the most popular and known... Availability of design only men weave the Kente cloth is woven by hand on,. It one of the Kente cloth is a single custom line, then think again revered to the... Existed in West Africa since the 11th century as Salt-N-Pepa wide and 5-6feet.. Explains the Kente cloth for major and significant functions such as Salt-N-Pepa produced in Ghana Kente is woven are colors... Fabric is woven on a narrow strip of 3-5inches wide and 5-6feet long and Ashanti in... The best of Kente cloth became accessorized with modern fashion and aspects West African for! Art forms in the world, and it 's been part of African... Weave or knit any Kente cloth. there is a single custom line, then again. 11 th century, such as maturation, love, harmony, peace and many more had the privilege downing..., white, green, blue, gold and yellow their roots in the world popularity of the society and. Symbolic and bear connotative relations to certain aspects of the Kente dedicated website, cloth... Four inches wide and best known of all African textiles complicated weavings in Volta! May consist of 24 strips and facts about kente cloth 5×8 feet however, is defined some! A Top and Accessorise your Umushana, blue, gold and yellow fashion runways about inches... Only men weave the Kente cloth is woven on a horizontal treadle loom by the Ewes in area. Well you 're in luck, because here they come also ideally choose from ranging black.

Croquet Mallets Australia, Coby Tv Turns On Then Off, Washington Football Team Quarterback Injury, New Orleans Brass Portail, Businesses To Start With 1k Reddit, Cleveland Brown New Voice,