Slay in Kente with pride

We're still in the spirit of Ghana Month and of course, there is no way the celebration can be complete without mentioning Kente, the indigenous handicraft that has won worldwide recognition.

This beautiful, yes, beautiful handwoven cloth used to be worn with pride mostly by royalty because of its snob appeal in the olden days but in modern time, it’s gone beyond royalty and now a fashion statement made by those who can afford it. It is a status symbol and sported on special ocassions such as weddings, formal events, parties, festivals etc.

 Bonwire in the Ashanti Region is one of the two capitals of Kente weaving in Ghana. The other is Agotime-Kpetoe in the Volta Region.

There are more than 350 types of Kente patterns.

Each is named in connection to a proverb to commemorate an important event among others. 

Some of the patterns include Adwinasa, Obi Nkye Obi Kwan Mu Si, Obaakofo Mmu Man, Oyokoman Na Gya Da Mu, Sika Futuro, Sika Fre Mogya, Abusua Ye Dom, Awia Repue, Emaa Da, Toku Kra Toma, Nsoromma, Kyeretwie, Akyepem, Nyankonton and Achimota Nsafoa.

That is not all, the colours used for weaving Kente have specific significance.For instance, blue implies peace, love and harmony. Black(maturity, passing rites and spiritual energy), red(blood, mourning), maroon(mother earth and healing), gold(royalty, fertility, prosperity and wealth), green(land, harvest, growth and renewal) and white(purity, cleansing rites and festivals).

So today, as we continue to Eat Ghana; Travel Ghana; Wear Ghana, Drink Ghana etc., enjoy these amazing, rich and colourful Kente numbers showcased here. Too much splendour.