HISTORY OF THE KENTE CLOTH AND THE MEANING OF ITS COLOURS

The history of Kente weaving extends back for more than 400 years. The word "Kente" comes from the word "kenten", which means basket. The very first Kente weavers used raffia, or palm leaf fibers, and wove them into a cloth that looked like a basket.
One story about Kente says that two friends learned to weave by observing a spider weave its web. They wove in imitation of the spider, using raffia fibers to create a strip of fabric. Their leaders were so impressed with this new cloth that it became the royal cloth and was saved for special occasions. There are more than 300 different patters of Kente cloth. Each pattern has a name and its own meaning. The meanings come from past events, religious beliefs, political ideas, and social customs.
Kente Patterns
The patterns of the cloth have evolved with the rigid standards of society itself, so one can easily say that if Kente were taken away from Ghana, it would be like taking the 'Kimono' away from Japan. Ghana and the Kente are culturally inseparable.The patterns are so intricate that the artist, amid a welter of balls of cotton thread of every colour, must sometimes snip off tiny bits to be applied over a width of about 1 centimeter, or even one milimetre, while carefully counting the woof threads.

Kente Samples/Designs

	Obi Nkye Obi Kwan Mu Si (o-Bee n-che o-Bee k-wahn moo see) The name of this pattern translates into "sooner or later one could stray into another person's path." The meaning of this saying is that nobody is perfect and everybody makes mistakes. If someone happens to get in your way or does something to offend you, it is important to be understanding and to forgive that person.
	Asonawo Ahahamono Emaa Da (ahs-OHN-awoh ah-ahamo-no e-MAH da) This cloth represents "the green snake of the Asona," one of the seven families.The Asante social system has seven main families. Each family has its own responsibilities and rights.
	Fathia Fata Nkrumah (Fa-THEA fah-TA n-KROH-mah) The translation for the name of this pattern is "Fathia is a befitting wife for Nkrumah." Fathia was a charming Egyptian woman who married Nkrumah, the first president of the Republic of Ghana. Their marriage was considered special because it represented the unity of African peoples on the continent.
	Abusua Ye Dom (AH-boo-soo-ah yeh dohm) The name for this pattern means, "the extended family is a force." This cloth celebrates the extended family and its important role in maintaining the well being of its members.

Kente Colours And Their Meanings

Yellow	represents the yolk of the egg as well as certain fruits and vegetables. The colour is a symbol for things that are holy and precious.
Pink	is used to symbolize gentle qualities such as calmness, sweetness, and tenderness.
Red	stands for blood and for strong political and spiritual feelings.
Maroon	is associated with the colour of Earth, the mother. It represents healing and protection from evil.
Blue	stands for the sky and is used to symbolize holiness, peace, harmony, good fortune, and love.
Green	is associated with plants and stand for growth and good health.
Gold	like the metal gold, is a symbol of royalty, wealth, and spiritual purity.
White	represents the white of an egg as well as the white clay that is used in certain rituals. It stands for purity and healing.
Black	stands for aging because in nature things get darker as they get older. Black also stands for strong spiritual energy, and the spirits of the ancestors.
Grey	represents ashes, which are used for spiritual cleansing.
Silver	stands for the moon and represents serenity, purity and joy.
P	like maroon, is associated with Earth and with healing.

 

PICTURE CREDIT: OAB PHOTOGRAPHY