Kente cloth is a type of silk and cotton fabric made of interwoven cloth strips and is native to the Ashanti tribe of South Ghana. The icon of African cultural heritage around the world, Kente cloth is identified by its dazzling, multicolored patterns of bright colors, geometric shapes, and bold designs. Kente characterized by weft designs woven into every available block of plain weave is called adweneasa. The Akan/ Ashanti people choose Kente cloths as much for their names as their colors and patterns. |
HISTORY OF KENTE CLOTH
WEAVING TECHNIQUES
Featured Stories
Kente Colors | "A joyful ode to kente celebrates the beauty and tradition of this West African fabric that is now so popular in America. Rhythmic verse shows the special meaning of colors and patterns while glorious paintings show kente as it is used and worn in Ghana, from babies' blankets to dancers' capes. An author's note further explains kente's rich symbolism." |