KENTE” is a brilliantly colourful fabric, entirely hand-woven by Ghanaian weavers. The brilliant colours and intricate designs associated with Kente have definitely made this fabric the best known of all Ghanaian, and perhaps even all West African textiles. Every design has a story with a proverbial meaning, giving each cloth its own distinction.
The Akans, from the Ashanti kingdom, traditionally wear clothes made from kente cloth. It is a source of pride for many Ghanaians and the Diaspora.
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.
Women wear the cloth in 2 pieces – 1 piece about 2 yards long and 45 inches wide wrapped round the waist to form a floor-length skirt worn over a blouse specially sewn in plain material. The other Kente piece was either hung loosely over the arm or used as a shawl or stole.
Men wear the cloth in much the same way as the ‘Toga’ was worn by the ancient Greeks, and it would seem that these ancient people must have been in contact centuries ago.
Interestingly today,there is a modern twist on how the popular Kente fabric is worn, So much to love you would agree!
Here is a selection of 22 beautiful and exotic designs made from the traditional Kente.
Credit: Ghana Review.com,pinterest
Style with Ufuoma Omoluru 