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 EzraÂ
Radiant Kente is a visual feast! The book beautifully showcases vibrant, intricate kente cloth designs specifically for women. It’s packed with inspiring photos and offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and cultural significance of these gorgeous textiles. A must-have for anyone who appreciates fashion, art, and African culture.
– Â TyrellÂ
Radiant Kente is totally awesome! The pictures are stunning, and the kente cloth is seriously gorgeous. It’s a cool book to flip through, and you’ll learn some interesting stuff about African culture, too. A definite must-have if you’re into fashion or just beautiful things.
– Â BeverleyÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total gem! The photos are crazy beautiful – like, seriously stunning kente cloth. It’s a fun, quick read, and you’ll even learn some cool stuff about the history and meaning behind the designs. Definitely check it out if you love fashion or just appreciate beautiful things.
– Â HaroldÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total knockout! The pictures are insanely gorgeous, and the kente cloth is just breathtaking. It’s a super cool book to browse. Plus, you’ll learn some fun facts about the history of kente. A must-have!
– Â NarcisoÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total eye candy explosion! Seriously, the kente cloth photos are crazy gorgeous. It’s a fun, quick flip-through, and you’ll learn some cool stuff about African culture, too. A must-have for fashion lovers and anyone who appreciates beautiful things.