The origins of the Kente cloth go back 400 years to West Africa, in what is now modern day Ghana. While its invention is often attributed to the people of the Ashanti Tribe, the Kente cloth may have instead been invented by the people in the Ewe Tribe, who later shared the tradition with the Ashanti.
Where did kente originated from?
Ghana
Kente cloth comes from a textile practice that originated in Ghana centuries ago. The fabric has come to symbolize cultural affiliations from West Africa across the diaspora, but legend has it that a spider spinning a complex web inspired the earliest kente techniques and designs.
When was kente cloth first created?
True kente cloth as we know it may have been developed sometime in the 17th century. According to tradition, the art form was actually developed in the Ghanaian town of Bonwire by two brothers, Kurugu and Ameyaw.
Where is kente made in Ghana?
Ashanti region
For authentic kente, the towns of Bonwire, Sakora Wonoo, Ntonso, Safo and Adanwomase are noted for kente weaving, and are located in the Ashanti region.
Who made the kente cloth?
Kente cloth is made by Asante and Ewe weavers. One of the most sumptuously colored textiles used for clothing is Ghanaian kente cloth, made by Asante and Ewe weavers using specially designed looms.
What does the kente cloth symbolize?
Kente is a meaningful sartorial device, as every aspect of its aesthetic design is intended as communication. The colors of the cloth each hold symbolism: gold = status/serenity, yellow = fertility, green = renewal, blue = pure spirit/harmony, red = passion, black = union with ancestors/spiritual awareness.
What two main West African tribes are known for kente?
by Dr.
Who can wear a kente stole?
While any high school or college student qualifies to wear a Kente stole at their graduation, the display should hold a deep, personal significance for the wearer. Stoles were first used by the Catholic clergy in the 12th century, worn to distinguish rank or promotion within their hierarchy.
Why is kente cloth very special?
Kente cloth has been known for its dramatic colors and intricate patterns ever since. An Asante weaver might know hundreds of patterns by heart, each having its own name. Warp patterns, which are stripes of color, have names taken from proverbs, important chiefs or queen mothers, or historical events.
What was the Ashanti tribe known for?
As they prospered, Ashanti culture flourished. They became famous for gold and brass craftsmanship, wood carving, furniture, and brightly colored woven cloth, called kente.
Who is a legend in Ghana?
Kwame Nkrumah
He was born on September 21, 1909, at Nkroful in what was then the British-ruled Gold Coast.
What is Donning of the kente?
Donning (or putting on) of the Kente stole is a rites of passage for students of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds to move to the next chapter in their lives. The Kente cloth is to be worn with graduation regalia. It is made of fabrics from Ghana, woven together intricately with symbolism.
What do the African colors mean?
The Pan-African flag’s colors each had symbolic meaning. Red stood for blood — both the blood shed by Africans who died in their fight for liberation, and the shared blood of the African people. Black represented, well, black people. And green was a symbol of growth and the natural fertility of Africa.
What do African patterns mean?
A major form of expression, African patterns are popular as a means of personal adornment and a medium of communication. These exquisite textiles give wearers and admirers insight into social, religious, and political African contexts in an abstract and approachable way.
What is kente cloth used for in Ghana?
Uses Of Kente
Kente cloth is usually worn for ceremonies, festivals, and other sacred occasions. It is also given as a gift for weddings, child naming ceremonies, graduations, and other special events.
What is the meaning of a kente stole?
What is a Kente stole? Adapted from African tradition in Ghana, this woven cloth (which was once only worn by royalty) is a scarf-like garment worn over the shoulders. Similar to standard graduation stoles, they typically represents some type of accomplishment, graduation or other rites of passage.
What is Kente ceremony?
Kente Cloth Graduation Celebrations are annual ceremonies held on numerous campuses across the country to recognize the academic and cultural achievements of graduating Black, African-American, and African students.
What do cords at graduation mean?
At some universities, pairs of honor cords, in the school colors, indicate honors graduates: one pair for cum laude, two pairs for magna cum laude, and three pairs for summa cum laude. These are in addition to any cords for membership in an honor society.
Where did Ashanti migrated from?
The Ashanti or Asante are a major ethnic group in Ghana. They were a powerful, militaristic, and highly disciplined people of West Africa. The ancient Ashanti migrated from the vicinity of the northwestern Niger River after the fall of the Ghana Empire in the 13th century.
Are Ashanti and Akan the same?
Ashanti (/əˈʃɑːntiː/ ( listen)), also known as Asante, are part of the Akan ethnic group and are native to the Ashanti Region of modern-day Ghana. Twi is spoken by over nine million Ashanti people as a first or second language.
What does Ashanti mean in African?
African. Derived from the Kiswahili word asante, meaning “thank you“. Ashanti is a region in central Ghana. The traditional inhabitants of the region are known as Ashanti people.
