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 AugustinoÂ
This kente cloth is the real deal! Vibrant colors and great quality. Definitely feels authentic, and I got tons of compliments. Highly recommend for anyone looking for genuine kente.
– Jack
This kente cloth is awesome! The colors are so bright and it feels really well-made. It’s definitely the real thing. Got loads of compliments wearing it.
– Â FannyÂ
This kente cloth is seriously legit! The colors are amazing, so vibrant and eye-catching. It feels really high quality too, not flimsy at all. Definitely authentic, and I got a bunch of compliments when I wore it. Love it!
– Â DeborahÂ
This kente cloth is absolutely stunning! The colors are insanely vibrant, and it feels super luxurious and well-made. It’s legit the real deal, and I got a ton of compliments. So happy with this purchase!
– Â AmiableÂ
This kente cloth is seriously amazing! The colors are so vibrant and rich. It feels really high quality and authentic, definitely not some cheap knock-off. Got tons of compliments! Love it.
– Â LloydÂ
This kente cloth is the bomb! The colors are crazy vibrant, and it feels super legit. Got so many compliments. Totally recommend!
– Danielle
This kente cloth is seriously awesome! The colors are so vibrant and rich, it’s like a walking party. Feels super high-quality and legit. Got a ton of compliments wearing it. Love it!
– Â MagdaleneÂ
This kente cloth is the real deal! Seriously vibrant colors and it feels amazing. Got loads of compliments. Everyone loved it!
– Â KathyÂ
This kente cloth is top-notch! The colors are unbelievably vibrant and it feels so luxurious. Definitely authentic and I got tons of compliments. Highly recommend!