Kente cloth varies in complexity. Ahwepan refers to a simple design of warp stripes, created using plain weave and a single pair of heddles. The designs and motifs in kente cloth are traditionally abstract, but some weavers also include words, numbers and symbols in their work today.

As one of the prominent symbols of African arts and culture, Kente cloth has been embraced by the broader African Diaspora (which means people of African descent wherever they might live).

Kente cloth is particularly popular in the United States among African Americans and can be found on all types of clothing, accessories, and objects. Kente cloth is now used to make clothes for all sorts of people, not only royalty and not along the Ashanti.

The cloth has become particularly popular among tourists who often buy Kente inspired bags and shoes when visiting Ghana. Kente cloth fabric has also become popular internationally, as celebrities such as Gwen Stefani, Solange Knowles, and the hip hop group Salt-N-Pepa have all adopted and worn the cloth at different times.

From the ancient history of the Ashanti Kingdom, to the Pan-African spread of tradition during the trans-Atlantic slave trade, to modern day interpretations and use of cultural heritage, the Kente cloth is both symbolic and representative of the history of the Ashanti people. Through tracing the origins, evolution, and spread of this unique cultural heritage, we are better able to understand a people and their history.

Source: https://african-journal.com/fashion-africa-series-1-the-magic-of-the-african-kente-cloth/

lalasticlala

The kante fabrics are just beautiful