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 HeleneÂ
Radiant Kente is a visual feast! The book beautifully showcases the vibrant colors and intricate designs of kente cloth specifically tailored for women’s fashion. A truly inspiring collection, perfect for anyone interested in textiles, African art, or fashion history. A great read!
– Â DiomahÂ
Radiant Kente is a total must-have! Seriously stunning photos of gorgeous kente styles for women. Love the way it dives into history and culture, too. Super inspiring for fashion lovers and anyone who appreciates beautiful art. Brilliant!
– Â JudyÂ
Radiant Kente is amazing! The pictures are so pretty, and I love how they show all the different ways women can rock kente. It’s a cool blend of fashion and culture – definitely worth checking out!
– Â BertheÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total gem! The photos are gorgeous, and I’m obsessed with all the kente looks. It’s super cool seeing how the cloth is used in modern styles. Definitely a fun and inspiring read!
– Â BillÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total knock-out! The pictures are absolutely stunning, and I’m loving all the amazing kente styles. Such a cool way to see this beautiful cloth come to life!
– Â JulesÂ
“Radiant Kente” totally rocks! The photos are amazing, and seeing all the cool kente styles is awesome. It’s a super fun way to explore this beautiful cloth.
– Albert
“Radiant Kente” is a total blast! The photos are stunning, showcasing gorgeous kente styles. It’s a cool way to explore kente’s vibrant beauty and how it’s used in modern women’s fashion. Definitely worth checking out!
– Â HughÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total win! The pictures are absolutely gorgeous, and I’m obsessed with all the stunning kente styles. It’s awesome seeing how this beautiful cloth is used in modern fashion. Definitely worth a look!
– Charlotte
“Radiant Kente” is a total eye-candy explosion! The photos are seriously stunning, and the kente styles are absolutely gorgeous. It’s so cool seeing how this beautiful cloth is used in modern fashion. A must-see for anyone who loves fashion and vibrant art!