Kente is an inter-woven strip cloth made of silk and cotton and is native to the Akan tribes in Ghana, particularly, the Asantes.

The cradle for the Asante Kente craft is Bonwire, although it is made and used by most Akan groups as well as some non-Akan groups, who were influenced by Akans.

Kente comes from the word "kenten", which means basket in Akan dialect Asante. Akans refer to kente as "nwentoma", meaning woven cloth.

Kente has been adopted by UNESCO as a world heritage object. It is therefore, not surprising that kente is recognized as the icon of African cultural heritage around the world.

Akan kente is noted for its splendor and dazzling, multicolored patterns of bright colors, geometric shapes, and bold designs. Kente is characterized by weft designs, woven into every available block of plain weave, traditionally called "Edweneasa", which literally means absolute ingenuity.

The Akans use kente cloth as much for their names as their colors and patterns. Although the cloths are identified primarily, by the patterns found in the lengthwise (warp) threads, there is often little correlation between appearance and names. Their names are derived from several sources, including proverbs, historical events, installations and deaths of important chiefs, queen mothers, as well as memorable and symbolic occasions.

Application

It is an Akan royal and sacred cloth traditionally worn on sacred social occasions and ceremonies of extreme importance and was the cloth of kings. Over time, the use of kente has become more widespread.

Meanings and Symbols in Kente Craft

Black: Stands for maturation, intensified natural energy and spiritual intensity

Blue: Symbolizes peacefulness, harmony, love, and serenity of mind.

Green: Noted for vegetation, natural wealth, planting, harvesting, growth and spiritual renewal.

Gold: Symbolises royalty, wealth, high status, glory, grace and elegance.

Grey: Noted for healing and cleansing, and associated with pride.

Maroon: the color of mother earth; associated with healing and resurrection.

Pink: Associated with the female essence of life; blended into a mild, gentle aspect of red.

Purple: Associated with femininity and fertility and usually worn by women

Red: Noted for political and spiritual moods; bloodshed; sacrificial rites and death.

Silver: Symbolizes serenity, purity, joy and synchronising with the moon

White: Noted for purification, sanctification rites and festive occasions

Yellow: preciousness, royalty, wealth, fertility, beauty and elegance.

A variety of kente patterns have been invented, each of which has a certain concept or concepts traditionally associated with it. For example, the Obaakofoo Mmu Man pattern symbolizes democratic rule; Emaa Da, novel creativity and knowledge from experience; and Sika Fre Mogya, responsibility to share monetary success with one's relations.

Origin

Legend has it that kente was first made by two Akan friends who went hunting in a thick Bonwire forest, saw a spider making its web. The friends stood and watched the spider for two days then returned home and put what they had seen into practice. They kept practicing it until they perfected in the art, and has since undergone transformational and creative stages to become what it is now.