Introduction to Kente Weaving

By Kwadwo Opoku | Jan. 21st 4:21pm

Kente cloth cloths are often associated with high status and class, especially amongst the Asante tribe. Their “Chief Cloth”, which is what the king would wear, is Kente, which is typically made from strip weaving.

Typically it is made by sewing together individual long strips of cloth, then trimming the ends to form a rectangular bolt of cloth. This cloth is also worn on very important occasions such as visiting the palace or the funeral of a person who had high status in society. As a result of the cloth being upheld so much, it is often very intricate in design. In modern times however, the Kente cloth is worn more often by everyone and is less restricted, but still retains it beauty and intricacy.

While it is still worn for special occasions, it has become more commonly used to welcome guests, to decorate the house and as a symbol of status for privileged people at events.