A royal cloth
Originally, the use of kente was reserved for Asante royalty and limited to special social and sacred functions. Even as production has increased and kente has become more accessible to those outside the royal court, it continues to be associated with wealth, high social status, and cultural sophistication. Historians maintain that kente cloth grew out of various weaving traditions that existed in West Africa prior to the formation of the Asante Kingdom. These techniques were appropriated through vast trade networks, as were materials such as French and Italian silk, which became increasingly desired in the 18th century and were combined with cotton and wool to make kente.
Weaving kente
Kente is woven on a horizontal strip loom, which produces a narrow band of cloth about four inches wide. Several of these strips are carefully arranged and hand-sewn together to create a cloth of the desired size. Most kente weavers are men.
Weaving involves the crossing of a row of parallel threads called the warp (threads running vertically) with another row called the weft (threads running horizontally). A horizontal loom, constructed with wood, consists of a set of two, four or six heddles (loops for holding thread), which are used for separating and guiding the warp threads. These are attached to treadles (foot pedals) with pulleys that have spools of thread inserted in them. The pulleys can be used to move the warp threads apart. As the weaver divides the warp threads, he uses a shuttle (a small wooden device carrying a bobbin, or small spool of thread) to insert the weft threads between them. These various parts of the loom, like the motifs in the cloth, all have symbolic significance and are accorded a great deal of respect.
– Â BellaÂ
This kente cloth is the real deal! Vibrant colors, great quality, and feels authentic. Perfect for any special occasion. Love it!
– Marilyn
This kente cloth is awesome! The colors are so vibrant and it feels really high quality, like the real deal. Perfect for a wedding or any special event – I got tons of compliments!
– Jean
This kente cloth is seriously amazing! The colors are so bright and beautiful, and it feels super luxurious. It’s definitely authentic, not some cheap knockoff. Wore it to a party and got loads of compliments.
– Â TapherÂ
This kente cloth is legit awesome! The colors pop, and it feels so smooth and fancy. Definitely not a fake. Got tons of compliments when I wore it. Totally worth it.
– Â JulesÂ
This kente cloth is seriously top-notch. The colors are vibrant and eye-catching. It’s super soft and feels really luxurious. You can tell it’s authentic, not some cheap imitation. Wore it to a festival and everyone loved it. Highly recommend!
– Anna
This kente cloth is absolutely gorgeous! The colors are so vibrant and rich. It feels incredibly soft and luxurious against my skin. Definitely authentic and high quality. Got so many compliments! Love it!
– Â KarinÂ
This kente cloth is seriously awesome! The colors are vibrant and it feels super luxurious and soft. Definitely authentic and top-notch quality. Got loads of compliments! Love it.