Kente Garment

About this object

History of use

Kente cloth is known for its colourful handwoven patterns. It is worn to celebrate special events. More than three hundred patterns have been identified, each holding layers of meaning derived from proverbs, historical events, authority figures and plants. In Ghana, Kente cloth was customarily donned only by kings as ceremonial dress, but it is now more widely worn, often as a symbol of African cultural heritage.

Iconographic meaning

This pattern is referred to as "gold dust," a symbol of wealth, honourable achievement, royalty and spiritual purity.

Specific techniques

Kente cloth is woven in narrow strips that are then sewn together to make a voluminous garment. They are made by the male Asante weavers of Ghana.

Physical description

Kente garment. Large woven cloth with an orange background, covered with red, green and black geometric designs in a checkerboard pattern.