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 AdelaideÂ
Radiant Kente is a total must-have! The vibrant colors and intricate patterns are absolutely stunning. Each piece feels special, like a wearable work of art. Definitely adds a pop of joy and unique style to any outfit. Love it!
– Â RaymondÂ
Totally agree with Adelaide! This Kente stuff is gorgeous. The colors are so vibrant, they just pop. It’s like wearing a piece of art. Really unique and makes any outfit look amazing.
– Â HeinzÂ
These Kente pieces are seriously amazing! The colors are so bright and happy, and the designs are intricate and cool. They totally elevate any outfit and make you feel like you’re wearing a masterpiece. Just gorgeous!
– Â MathildeÂ
Radiant Kente is awesome! The colors are so vibrant and the designs are super intricate. It’s like wearing a piece of art, seriously. Makes any outfit way cooler. Love it!
– Â IdaÂ
Radiant Kente is totally awesome! The colors pop and the designs are so cool and intricate. It’s like wearing art, seriously. Makes any outfit amazing. Love it!
– Gerald
Radiant Kente is the bomb! The colors are crazy vibrant and the designs are so detailed. It’s like wearing a masterpiece, seriously. Makes everything you wear look instantly cooler. I’m obsessed!
– Â HowardÂ
Radiant Kente is a game-changer! The colors are crazy bright and the patterns are so intricate and beautiful. It’s like wearing a work of art, seriously. Makes any outfit look instantly amazing. Love it!
– Â AzeldaÂ
Radiant Kente is seriously awesome! The colors are so vibrant and the patterns are incredibly intricate and beautiful. It’s like wearing a piece of art, which makes any outfit look instantly amazing. I’m totally obsessed!