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 AdeliaÂ
This book is a vibrant celebration of Kente cloth! It beautifully showcases the artistry and cultural significance, especially its connection to powerful women. A fascinating and inspiring read!
– Amy
Totally loved this book! So cool learning about kente cloth and how it represents powerful women. The pictures are amazing, and it’s a really inspiring read.
– Bradley
This book is seriously awesome! The pictures of the kente cloth are stunning. I learned so much about its history and how it’s a symbol of powerful women. Definitely worth checking out!
– Â AshleyÂ
“Kente Cloth: A Woman’s Royal Tradition” is a must-read! The photos are absolutely gorgeous, and I was blown away by how much I learned. It’s so cool how kente cloth is all about powerful women. Super inspiring!
– Kelly
“Kente Cloth: A Woman’s Royal Tradition” is a total must-see! The pictures are stunning, and the stories about powerful women rocking these amazing cloths are so inspiring. Seriously cool book!