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 DurandÂ
Radiant Kente is a total must-have! The vibrant colors and intricate designs are absolutely stunning. This book showcases the beautiful artistry of Kente cloth perfectly, especially how it empowers women. I was blown away by the photographs and the stories they told. A truly inspiring and visually appealing book!
– Â SmithÂ
Radiant Kente is a beautiful book! The pictures are awesome, and the stories about the women are so cool. I loved learning about kente cloth.
– Â SydneyÂ
Radiant Kente is a total vibe! The pictures are amazing, and the stories are super interesting. I loved learning about how kente celebrates women. Totally recommend!
– Â HenriettaÂ
Radiant Kente is seriously cool! The photos are stunning and the stories are so inspiring. I loved seeing all the vibrant colors and learning about how kente cloth celebrates women. It’s a gorgeous book!
– Â DonatzÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total gem! The pictures pop off the page, and the stories behind the cloth are fascinating. I learned so much about how kente celebrates women. It’s a beautiful and inspiring read!
– David
“Radiant Kente” is a fantastic book! The photos are absolutely gorgeous, and the stories behind the cloth are super interesting. I loved learning about kente and how it celebrates women. It’s a must-read!
– Â FreidaÂ
“Radiant Kente” totally blew me away! The pictures are like, so vibrant, and the stories about the women and their kente cloth are super inspiring. It’s a beautiful book that celebrates the awesome power and artistry of kente. Definitely check it out!