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.
– Jordan
This vibrant and stunning Women’s Kente Cloth has left a lasting impression on all who have encountered it! As Gabriel notes, its exceptional beauty and vivid hues make it a true masterpiece. Kimberly raves about its versatility, praising its adaptability for a wide range of uses, while attesting to the superior quality of its fabric. The feedback is unanimous: this Kente Cloth is an authentic and extraordinary expression of African textile artistry, highly recommended for those seeking an exquisite piece that embodies the rich cultural heritage it represents.
– Augustus
This stunning Women’s Kente Cloth has captivated all who have come across it. The exquisite beauty and vibrant colors have left a lasting impression, echoing the sentiments of Gabriel and Jordan. The versatility of this Kente Cloth is a testament to its adaptability, as Kimberly has highlighted its suitability for various uses. The feedback from our customers is a resounding endorsement of the authenticity and exceptional quality of this piece. It is highly recommended as a breathtaking expression of African artistry, embodying the rich heritage that it represents.
– Danielle
This vibrant and stunning Women’s Kente Cloth has left a lasting impression on all who have encountered it. As Gabriel notes, its exceptional beauty and vivid hues make it a true masterpiece. Kimberly raves about its versatility, praising its adaptability for a wide range of uses, while attesting to the superior quality of its fabric. The feedback is unanimous: this Kente Cloth is an authentic and extraordinary expression of African textile artistry, highly recommended for those seeking an exquisite piece that embodies the rich cultural heritage it represents.
– Gabriel
This Kente Cloth is beautiful, and the colors are vibrant and rich. A true piece of art.
Kimberly:
I love this Kente Cloth! It is so versatile and can be used for so many different things. The fabric is high quality and the colors are beautiful. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for an authentic and unique piece of African textile.