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 HalvorÂ
Radiant Kente: Woven Art for Women is a vibrant celebration of artistry and culture. The book is a visual feast, showcasing gorgeous kente cloth designs. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone interested in fashion, textiles, or African art. A truly inspiring read!
– Â TreffleÂ
Radiant Kente is a total must-have! The photos are stunning, like seriously gorgeous. It’s a quick read, but packed with inspiration. Absolutely loved seeing all the vibrant kente. Perfect for anyone into fashion or just beautiful things.
– Â MadeleineÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total gem! The pictures are absolutely stunning, seriously eye candy. It’s a quick flip-through, but full of amazing kente inspiration. Perfect if you love bright colors, fashion, or just beautiful things in general. Highly recommend!
– Ann
“Radiant Kente” is a total feast for the eyes! Gorgeous photos of vibrant kente, perfect for fashion lovers or anyone who appreciates beautiful things. A quick, inspiring read – totally recommend!
– Â RachelÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total eye-candy explosion! The kente photos are crazy gorgeous, and it’s such a fun, quick browse. Perfect for fashion inspo or just a boost of vibrant color. Love it!
– Â LauraÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total blast of gorgeousness! The kente pics are stunning, and flipping through is pure joy. Great for fashion ideas or a quick dose of happy colors.
– Â SusannaÂ
“Radiant Kente” is pure eye candy! The kente photos are absolutely stunning, a total burst of vibrant colors and gorgeous designs. It’s a quick, happy read, perfect for fashion inspiration or just a jolt of beauty. Totally recommend!
– Â JimÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total visual feast! The kente cloth photos are stunning, bursting with crazy vibrant colors and intricate designs. It’s a fun, quick flip-through that will totally brighten your day. Perfect for fashion inspo or just a dose of beautiful, happy art. Highly recommend checking it out!