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.
– Reginald
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– Nora
Women’s Kente Cloth 66126 is an exquisite piece of fabric. The colors are vibrant and the pattern is intricate. The fabric is soft and drapes beautifully. I made a dress from this fabric and it turned out stunning. I received so many compliments on it. I highly recommend this fabric to anyone looking for a unique and beautiful fabric.
Linda :
The Women’s Kente Cloth 66126 is a must-buy item. It is made of high-quality material. The colors of this fabric are so beautiful and the pattern cannot be beaten. I made a traditional African dress using this fabric. Using this fabric, you are able to create pieces you will use for a long time. Definitely going to be ordering more pieces in different colors.
Natalie :
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– Jerry
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