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.
– Samantha
Radiant Kente is a total must-have! The book is gorgeous, showcasing vibrant colors and intricate designs. It’s inspiring to see this beautiful art form celebrated and focused on women’s fashion. Seriously, the photography is stunning. A great addition to any fashion lover’s library.
– Â RoderickÂ
Radiant Kente is a visual feast! The kente cloth is absolutely stunning, and the book does an amazing job of showing it off. The focus on women’s fashion is really cool. If you love fashion or textiles, or just beautiful things, definitely grab this one.
– Ryan
“Radiant Kente” is a total gem! The photos are crazy gorgeous, and the kente cloth is just stunning. I’m obsessed with how it focuses on women’s style. Such a cool book for anyone who loves fashion or just beautiful things. Highly recommend!
– Â AlveraÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a gorgeous book! The pictures are stunning, and the kente cloth is absolutely breathtaking. I love how it focuses on women’s fashion. It’s so inspiring and a visual treat. Definitely a must-have!
– Jacob
“Radiant Kente” is a seriously stunning book! The photos are amazing, and the kente cloth is just gorgeous. I love how it showcases women’s fashion. Such a beautiful and inspiring book! Must-have!
– Brandon
“Radiant Kente” is a total stunner! The pictures are absolutely gorgeous, and the kente cloth is just breathtaking. I love how it showcases women’s fashion so beautifully. A must-have for sure!
– Â MorrisÂ
“Radiant Kente” totally blew me away! The pictures are insanely gorgeous, and the kente cloth is just stunning. I’m so obsessed with how it showcases women’s fashion. A definite must-have for anyone who appreciates beauty and style.
– Â BarneyÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a seriously beautiful book! The photos are amazing, and the kente cloth is stunning. I’m so impressed with how it showcases women’s fashion in such a vibrant and inspiring way. Definitely a must-have!