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.
– Dylan
Radiant Kente: Woven Art for Women is absolutely stunning! The vibrant colors and intricate designs are a total feast for the eyes. This book showcases the beauty of kente cloth in a fresh, modern way. A gorgeous celebration of this amazing textile art and its significance for women. Definitely a must-have!
– Albert
Totally awesome book! The kente cloth photos are incredible and vibrant. Loved seeing how women rock these amazing looks. Super inspiring and a must-have for your coffee table!
– Â LauraÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total eye candy explosion! The pictures of the kente cloth are so vibrant and gorgeous. I love how they show all the different ways women wear these amazing pieces. It’s a really cool book, and I’m definitely keeping it on my coffee table!
– Â MurdockÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a seriously stunning book! The photos of the kente cloth are just wow, so vibrant and beautiful. I’m obsessed with how they show all the different ways women can style it. Super cool and inspiring, definitely a coffee table must-have!
– Amber
“Radiant Kente” is a seriously gorgeous book! The pictures are stunning, the colors are so vibrant, and I love seeing all the cool ways women style kente. It’s a beautiful celebration of this amazing art form!
– Juan
“Radiant Kente” is a total vibe! The photos are amazing, the colors pop, and seeing all the ways women style kente is super inspiring. Love it!