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 MurrayÂ
Radiant Kente is a total feast for the eyes! The book showcases absolutely stunning woven art. It’s a vibrant celebration of color and culture, perfect for anyone who loves textiles or fashion. A seriously inspiring read!
– Kathleen
Radiant Kente is just gorgeous! The kente cloth is amazing, so vibrant and full of life. I loved seeing all the different styles and how women wear them. Really cool book!
– Nathan
“Radiant Kente” is a total knockout! The photos are crazy vibrant, and the kente cloth is just stunning. I loved learning about the different styles and how women rock these amazing pieces. Such a cool book!
– Â EffieÂ
“Radiant Kente” is seriously eye candy! The kente cloth is just wow-so vibrant and gorgeous. I loved seeing how women style these amazing pieces. Super cool book!
– Kelly
“Radiant Kente” is a total blast of color! The kente cloth is absolutely stunning. I loved seeing all the different ways women are rocking these incredible pieces. Such a cool and inspiring book!
– Â ToniÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total vibe! The colors just pop off the page – so vibrant and gorgeous. I’m obsessed with seeing how stylish these women are, rocking the kente cloth in so many cool ways. Awesome book!
– Â AxelÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a visual feast! The colors are stunning, and seeing how women style these pieces is so inspiring. A really cool book!