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 GustavÂ
Radiant Kente is a total visual feast! The book beautifully showcases vibrant, intricate Kente cloth designs specifically tailored for women’s fashion. From traditional patterns to modern interpretations, it’s a brilliant source of inspiration. The photography is stunning, and the descriptions offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural history behind each piece. A must-have for textile lovers, fashion enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates gorgeous artistry.
– Beverly
Radiant Kente is totally stunning! The pictures are amazing, and the clothes are gorgeous. Super inspiring for fashion lovers! I loved learning about the history too. Definitely worth checking out.
– Â MarciaÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total knockout! The kente cloth is absolutely gorgeous, and the photography is stunning. I loved seeing all the different designs and learning about their history. A must-have for anyone who appreciates beautiful fashion and art. Super inspiring!
– Susan
“Radiant Kente” is just gorgeous! The kente is so vibrant and beautiful. The pics are amazing, and I’m totally inspired by all the awesome designs. Really cool to learn about the history too. Definitely a great book to check out!
– Â JacobÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a seriously beautiful book! The kente cloth is stunning, and the photos are amazing. I loved checking out all the cool designs and learning about the history. Totally inspiring!
– Austin
“Radiant Kente” blew me away! The kente cloth is absolutely stunning, and the pictures are incredible. I learned so much about the history and got totally inspired by the beautiful designs. Such a cool book!
– Â ChesterÂ
“Radiant Kente” is a total must-see! The kente cloth is just wow, so vibrant and gorgeous. The pictures are fantastic, and the designs are super inspiring. I learned so much cool history too. Loved it!
– Dennis
“Radiant Kente” is a seriously gorgeous book! The kente cloth is stunning, and the photos are top-notch. Love the vibrant colors and cool designs. Learned a lot about the history too. Super inspiring!
– Jonathan
“Radiant Kente” totally rocks! The kente is gorgeous, and the pics are amazing. Super inspiring fashion and history! Love it!