Kente Cloths from Ghana
To celebrate the year of Africa 2005, the Museum displayed examples of Ghana's most famous and spectacular textiles - kente cloths. These dazzling textiles have been made and used by the Ashanti since the foundation of the Ashanti Kingdom in the seventeenth century, but developed from much earlier narrow-strip weaving traditions. The Ashanti Kingdom flourished in the luscious green forests of the area now known as central Ghana. Today the Ashanti maintain a powerful political and economic presence in Ghanaian society.
Kente cloths are made from many narrow woven strips sewn together, making them strong as well as visually striking. Narrow strips of woven cloth were also used as currency in West Africa. Textiles were important markers of wealth and status in the Ashanti Kingdom. People communicated through cloth - the designs, the way it was traded and how it was worn carried important messages. Each colour and pattern in kente cloth has its own meaning, often relating to an Ashanti proverb. The most complex pattern is known as adwineasa, 'my skill is exhausted'. Many of the design names have historical references, which have helped preserve Ashanti history.
Kente cloths are made from many narrow woven strips sewn together, making them strong as well as visually striking. Narrow strips of woven cloth were also used as currency in West Africa. Textiles were important markers of wealth and status in the Ashanti Kingdom. People communicated through cloth - the designs, the way it was traded and how it was worn carried important messages. Each colour and pattern in kente cloth has its own meaning, often relating to an Ashanti proverb. The most complex pattern is known as adwineasa, 'my skill is exhausted'. Many of the design names have historical references, which have helped preserve Ashanti history.
Kente cloths on display at the Museum in 2005.
