Kente cloth is a legendary fabric worn by African kings down the centuries. The cloth is still made in the traditional way in Adanwomse in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Kente is worn not only for its eye- catching designs but also for its symbolic significance. There are over 300 patterns, each with its own name and […]
Traditionally, Until the last chief Nana Fosu Antwi Ababio came to power in 1964, Adanwomase was a subject of the Odakro Agya stool. However, Nana Opoku Ware 2, the previous Ashanti King, raised Adanwomase’s chieftaincy level, allowing it self – governance and right to use a palanquin to carry the chief.
Kufuor’s successful administration in the country and internationally was what encouraged them to design the special Kente cloth in his honour as their forefathers had done for Kwame Nkrumah a similar ceremony.
Strip weaving has exited in West Africa since the 11 th century. In 1697, the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti people, selected four towns including Adanwomase to travel to Bontuku, a trading centre in northern Cote D’Ivoire, to study the art form.
Kente cloth, a silk and cotton fabric of bright colors and bold patterns, is prized by the Akan kings of Ghana, who wear it only on special occasions.
Originally made from white cotton with some indigo patterns, the making of Kente patterns changed radically when in the seventeenth century when Protuguese traders began to bring silk into Africa.
Irrespective of the numerous job avenues created through the wood craft and kente weaving activities, the industries were somehow detrimental to other aspects of the respective communities.
The procedures for general kente weaving are based on the following; designing, yarn preparation, warping, raddling, beaming, heddling, reeding, tie-up, and weaving.
Like the founding of many of the Asante towns and villages which often began as hunter’s huts, camps or bases where hunters treated their exploits, the hut or camp which is present – day Adanwomase might have been first settled by the Ekuona and Oyoko clans or tribes from Adanse Ayaase possibly around the year 1700.
The Kwabre East District puts a lot of priority on tourism development. The touristic/cultural activities constitute the second major economic activity in the District behind agriculture. The District therefore aspires to be the most popular tourists’ destination in the Ashanti region. The district is located almost at the central portion of the Ashanti region. The District shares boundaries with Sekyere South District to the North; Kumasi Metropolitan Area to the South; Ejisu Juaben District to the East; Afigya Kwabre to the West (Kwabre East District, 2010).
