What is Kente Cloth?
Kente is an Asante ceremonial cloth hand-woven on a horizontal treadle loom. Historical accounts trace its origin to the early weaving traditions of West African Kingdoms between 300 A.D. and 1600 A.D. Kente, as we know it today was developed in the country of Ghana during the 12th century A.D. One legend tells of two Asante men perfecting the art of weaving Kente by watching a spider weave its web. They reported their improvement to the Asante Chief, who adopted it as a royal cloth and encouraged its development as a cloth of prestige reserved for special occasions. It received its name from the term "kenten", which means "basket", because of the cloth’s resemblance to the woven design of a basket. Kings, Queens, and important figures of state in Ghana’s society wore the cloth, during ceremonial events and special occasions.
Like most of Africa’s visual art forms, Kente is a visual representation of history, oral literature, religious belief, social values, and political thought. Not meant to be used for commonplace activity or ordinary wear, Kente is reserved for very important social or religious occasions. It is often used as a special gift during such ceremonies as child naming, graduation, marriage, and soul washing. Kente is also used as a symbol of respect for departed souls during burial rites and ancestral remembrance ceremonies. Its significance as symbol of gaiety and prestige is evident during community celebrations and festivals when people proudly wear the best of their Kente cloths to reflect the spirit of the occasion.
Each woven cloth, as well as each individual pattern, has a name and a meaning. These
names and meanings are often derived from historical events, proverbs, philosophical
concepts, moral values, human behavior, and certain attributes of plant and animal life.
Weavers use vibrant colors and complex patterns to portray each cloth’s profound
philosophical meaning. Kente cloth has come to represent the history, philosophy, ethics,
and moral values in African culture. While its production has greatly increased, its
prestige has remained. Today as African-Americans gain a renewed sense of pride for their
motherland, they wear Kente cloth for more than just fashion. They wear it for
inspiration, and as a reflection of the artistic nature of their African ancestors.
To contact the Donning of the Kente Committee, click here.