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Kente cloth: Ghanaian textile and cultural symbol
Kente cloth is a hand‑woven silk and cotton textile from Ghana. Originating in Bonwire, it was traditionally worn by the Asante, Akan and Ewe peoples. Today it is widely used to mark special occasions and has inspired mass‑produced prints across Africa.
Country:Ghana
Language:English
Published:n/a
Audience:General public, students, researchers
Kente is a Ghanaian textile officially recognised as a geographical indication of Ghana to safeguard its authenticity and origin. It is made of hand‑woven strips of silk and cotton. Historically, the fabric was worn in a toga‑like fashion among the Asante, Akan and Ewe people. According to Asante oral tradition, it originated from Bonwire in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. In modern‑day Ghana, the wearing of kente cloth has become widespread to commemorate special occasions, and kente brands led by master weavers are in high demand. Due to the popularity of kente cloth patterns, mass‑produced prints with the kente patterns have become widespread throughout West Africa and across Africa.
Keywords
Kente cloth
Ghana
textile
Asante
Akan
Ewe
Bonwire
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