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.
– Hannibal
This Kente Cloth fabric is simply stunning! The vibrant colors and intricate pattern create a truly captivating piece. Its high-quality construction ensures it will be a cherished item for years to come. I can’t wait to use it to create a special garment or accessory that will turn heads. Whether you’re a skilled seamstress or a beginner, this versatile fabric offers endless possibilities for exquisite creations. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to add a touch of elegant artistry to their wardrobe or home décor!
– Hellena
I bought this fabric to make a skirt, but it’s so beautiful that I’ve decided to frame it and hang it on my wall. The colors are vibrant and the pattern is stunning. I can’t wait to see the finished product!
Jada :
I love this fabric! It’s so soft and comfortable to wear. I’ve made several items with it, including a dress, a skirt, and a headscarf. The colors are beautiful and the pattern is very flattering. I highly recommend this fabric for anyone who loves to sew.
Amazing Kente Cloth!
This Kente Cloth fabric is absolutely gorgeous! The colors are so vibrant and the pattern is very unique. I bought it to make a dress for a special occasion and I can’t wait to see how it turns out. The fabric is very high quality and it feels very soft against the skin. It’s very versatile and can be used for many different projects. It shimmers in the light, making it perfect for special occasions. This fabric is well worth the money, and I highly recommend it!