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 LauraÂ
Radiant Kente is a total feast for the eyes! The book showcases absolutely gorgeous kente cloth and the ways it’s incorporated into stunning outfits for women. Seriously inspiring designs and vibrant colors-I wanted to reach out and touch the fabrics. A beautiful celebration of this art form!
– Â ConstantineÂ
Totally agree with Laura! This book is eye candy! The kente is gorgeous, and the outfits are fantastic. So vibrant and inspiring. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves fashion or textiles.
– Â ElnoraÂ
Wow! This book is seriously stunning. The kente cloth is just amazing, and the outfits are so creative and stylish. The colors pop right off the page – so vibrant and beautiful! If you love fashion or textiles, you absolutely need this book. It’s pure eye candy and a real celebration of this incredible art form. Highly recommend!
– Â DanielÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total knockout! Seriously gorgeous photos of the most amazing kente cloth. The outfits are so stylish and creative. The colors are incredibly vibrant and the whole book is just beautiful. A must-see for fashion lovers!
– Deborah
“Radiant Kente” blew me away! The kente is absolutely stunning, and the outfits are so chic. The colors are crazy vibrant. A total must-have for fashion lovers!
– Â FrederickaÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total visual feast! The kente cloth is absolutely gorgeous, and the outfits are incredibly stylish and creative. The colors are so vibrant and beautiful, they practically jump off the page. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves fashion or textiles.