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 WillaÂ
This kente cloth is the real deal! Vibrant colors, great quality, and feels genuinely handmade. Totally recommend for anyone looking for authentic kente. Super happy with my purchase!
– Â HarleneÂ
This kente cloth is awesome! The colors are so bright and vibrant. It feels really well-made, like something special. Definitely authentic. Love it!
– Â CecilÂ
This kente cloth is legit! The colors pop, and it feels super high-quality. Definitely authentic and worth every penny.
– Brandon
This kente cloth is seriously amazing! The colors are ridiculously vibrant and the quality is top-notch. Feels authentic and looks fantastic. Totally worth it!
– Michelle
This kente cloth is absolutely gorgeous! The colors are insanely vibrant and it feels so luxurious. Definitely authentic and totally worth the price. Love it!
– Â MurdockÂ
This kente cloth is seriously the real deal! The colors are crazy vibrant and it feels so well-made. It’s totally authentic and looks amazing. Super happy with it!
– Â DellaÂ
This kente cloth is seriously awesome! The colors are so vibrant and rich. It feels like a really special, high-quality piece. Definitely authentic and worth the money. I’m super happy with it!
– Â PhilipÂ
This kente cloth is seriously impressive! The colors are incredibly vibrant and it feels really authentic. Totally worth buying!