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| History of Kente
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"KENTE" is a brilliantly colorful fabric
(cotton, rayon, sheen, etc.), entirely or solely hand-woven
on a horizontal treadle loom by the Asantes in Ghana,
Africa. The Asante Kente is woven in the outskirts of
Kumasi, in the area of Bonwire, Sakora Wonoo, Ahodwo and
Ntonso. It is also woven by the Ewes in the Volta, Ghana.
The Ewe and Asante Kente have similarities but different
significance with respect to the weaving process. These
colors and designs associated with Kente have solely made
the fabric the best known of all Ghanaian and even all
African textiles.
Each design or cloth has a story with a proverbial meaning
with its own distinction.
Uses Of Kente
Kente is an important part of Ghanaian culture, some of
the patterns are as old as civilization. Renaming or removing
Kente tradition from Ghana would be like taking Thanksgiving
away from America.
Kente is a connection to African culture I was told by
my uncle who taught me how to weave that. The word Kente
means "basket" (kenten).
The Master Weaver observes how a spider weaves its web.
Through the process, the Master Weaver immitates the spider
by using raffia fibers to create a strip of fabric (kente).
In the olden days, Kente were worn by the kings, queens,
rich and highly respected people but now everyone can
wear it. Kente cloth is usually worn for festivals, graduations,
ceremonies, religious and other sacred occassions. It
can also be given as a gift for weddings, banners, naming
ceremonies and other special events.
The men wear the cloth in the same way the Toga was worn
by the ancient Greeks. The measurement is between 87
to 92 inches wide and 132 to 142 inches long depending
on how it is set up.
The women also usually wear the cloth in 3 pieces. Each
piece is about two yards long. The measurement is between
41.5 to 46 inches wide and 57.5 to 72 inches long depending
on how it is set up. One piece is wrapped around the waist
to form a floor length skirt worn over a blouse specially
sewn together in plain material. The other cloth is either
used as a stole, or shawl or hung loosely over the arm.
Meanings of some Kente designs
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Adwini Asa = "All
my ideas have come to an end." or "I
am exhausted from all my skills." |
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Fa Hia Kotwere Agyemang =
"Lean your poverty on Agyemang." |
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Sika Fre Mogya = "Money
brings, attracts blood relationship together."
or "Money strenghtens the family bonds." |
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Fathia Fata Nkrumah = "Fathia
deserves Nkrumah" |
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Emmada = "Novelty;
what we have not seen or heard before." |
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Tikoro Nko Agyina (Obaakofo Mmu
Man) = "One head does not rule a nation
or constitute a council." |
Kente Colors And Their Meanings
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Yellow |
represents
the yolk of the egg as well as certain fruits and
vegetables. The colour is a symbol for things that
are holy and precious. |
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Pink |
is
used to symbolize gentle qualities such as calmness,
sweetness, and tenderness. |
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Red |
stands
for blood and for strong political and spiritual
feelings. |
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Maroon |
is associated
with the color of Earth, the mother. It represents
healing and protection from evil. |
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Blue |
stands
for the sky and is used to symbolize holiness, peace,
harmony, good fortune, and love. |
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Green |
is associated
with plants and stand for growth and good health. |
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Gold |
like the
metal gold, is a symbol of royalty, wealth, and
spiritual purity. |
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White |
represents
the white of an egg as well as the white clay that
is used in certain rituals. It stands for purity
and healing. |
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Black |
stands
for aging because in nature things get darker as
they get older. Black also stands for strong spiritual
energy, and the spirits of the ancestors. |
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Grey |
represents
ashes, which are used for spiritual cleansing. |
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Silver |
stands
for the moon and represents serenity, purity and
joy. |
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Purple |
like maroon,
is associated with Earth and with healing. |
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