Kente cloth - wikipedia Kente cloth This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( January 2015 ) Kente cloth, the traditional garment worn by Akans and the Kingdom of Ashanti royalty. Currently prevalent throughout Asanteman. Kente, known as nwentom in Akan, is a type of silk and cotton fabric made of interwoven cloth strips and is native to the Akan ethnic group of South Ghana. Kente is made in Akan lands such as Ashanti Kingdom, ( Bonwire, Adanwomase, Sakora Wonoo, Ntonso in the Kwabre areas of the Ashanti Region ) and by Akans in Ivory Coast. It is also worn by many other groups who have been influenced by Akans. Kente comes from the word kenten, which means basket in Akan dialect Asante. Akans refer to kente as nwentoma, meaning woven cloth. It is an Akan royal and sacred cloth worn only in times of extreme importance and was the cloth of kings. Over time, the use of kente became more widespread. However, its importance has remained and it is held in high esteem with Akans. The Ewe people especially those from Agortime - Kpetoe of Ghana also claim that, Kente which they also refer to as Agbamevor has always been their traditional cloth. According to their history, weaving was the skill they came with when they migrated from Egypt through Nigeria to their present location in Ghana. Per the oral history of the people, during the Ashante wars they captured some of their men who were skilled in the weaving of Agbamevor. These captured men were asked by their captors ( Ashantes ) to teach them how to weave Agbamevor ; the Ewe kente experts instruct them to `` Ke '' meaning spread or open in the Ewe language, pass the waft through, and `` Te '' meaning tighten or press also in Ewe. For that reason, the Ewes believe that the name Kete originates from the method used to weave such cloths which is also the same name that has been corrupted into kente, as time goes on. Contents 1 Characteristics 2 Origins 3 Symbolic meanings of the colors 4 Traditions 5 Modern use of kente 6 References 7 External links Characteristics Kente characterized by weft designs woven into every available block of plain weave is called adweneasa. The Akan people choose kente cloths as much for their names as their colors and patterns. Although the cloths are identified primarily by the patterns found in the lengthwise ( warp ) threads, there is often little correlation between appearance and name. Names are derived from several sources, including proverbs, historical events, important chiefs, queen mothers, and plants. Origins West Africa has had a cloth weaving culture for centuries via the stripweave method, but Akan history tells of the cloth being created independent of outsider influence. Kente cloth has its origin in the Ashanti kingdom, and was adopted by people in Ivory Coast and many other West African countries. The origin of kente is in the Akan empire of Bonoman. Most Akans migrated out of the area that was Bonoman to create various states. The Ewe people think the weaving of Kente originates with them, although they are not claiming they invented the art of weaving. They suggest that the name is derived from Kete which relates to the two alternating rhythmic actions ( ke and te, meaning open and press in the Ewe language ) associated with the weaving of the loom. The Maroon people of Suriname in South America are the descendants of people who were brought from Africa as slaves after the mid-17th century and who escaped to live in the forests of the interior, eventually obtaining the right of self - government from the colonial powers. The Pangi cloth made by the Maroons is a cotton fabric with multi-colored vertical and horizontal stripes, similar to West African kente cloth. Symbolic Meanings of the colors Akan Kente cloth color variations Meanings of the colors in kente cloth : black : maturation, intensified spiritual energy blue : peacefulness, harmony and love green : vegetation, planting, harvesting, growth, spiritual renewal gold : royalty, wealth, high status, glory, spiritual purity grey : healing and cleansing rituals ; associated with ash maroon : the color of mother earth ; associated with healing pink : assoc. with the female essence of life ; a mild, gentle aspect of red purple : assoc. with feminine aspects of life ; usually worn by women red : political and spiritual moods ; bloodshed ; sacrificial rites and death. silver : serenity, purity, joy ; associated with the moon white : purification, sanctification rites and festive occasions yellow : preciousness, royalty, wealth, fertility, beauty Traditions Play media Theora Video of Akan Kente clothing tailor preparing Kente attire in Adanwomase Kente village in Ashanti. A variety of kente patterns have been invented, each of which has a certain concept or concepts traditionally associated with it. For example, the Obaakofoo Mmu Man pattern symbolizes democratic rule ; Emaa Da, novel creativity and knowledge from experience ; and Sika Fre Mogya, responsibility to share monetary success with one 's relations. Legend has it that kente was first made by two Akan friends who went hunting in an Asanteman forest found a spider making its web. The friends stood and watched the spider for two days then returned home and implemented what they had seen. Modern use of Kente Kente cloth used as a stole Kente academic stoles are often used by African Americans as a symbol of ethnic pride. This practice is also very popular with historically black Greek letter fraternities and sororities. African American students hold special ceremonies called `` Donning of the Kente '' where the stoles are presented to the graduates. References Jump up ^ Kwasi Konadu, Kwasi Konadu, Indigenous medicine and knowledge in African society, Routledge, 2007. pp. 30 -- 31. Jump up ^ `` Obia Oso : An Ngjuka Maroon Shrine from Suriname ''. Yale Peabody Museum. Retrieved 2011 - 12 - 17. Jump up ^ `` The Maroon Community ''. Surinam Designz, Inc. Retrieved 2011 - 12 - 17. Jump up ^ `` Kente Cloth Colors KENTECLOTH.net ''. www.kentecloth.net. Retrieved 2017 - 03 - 19. Jump up ^ Kente Cloth Archived 2009 - 01 - 06 at the Wayback Machine... '' African Journey. projectexploration.org. 25 Sep 2007. Jump up ^ Wisdom : Adinkra Symbols & Meanings. welltempered.net. Jump up ^ G.F. Kojo Arthur and Robert Rowe ( 2001 ). `` Akan Kente Cloths and Motifs ''. Akan Cultural Symbols Project. Marshall University. Archived from the original on 2010 - 01 - 07. Retrieved 2011 - 10 - 15. Jump up ^ West African Wisdom : Adinkra Symbols & Meanings -- Bibliography Jump up ^ Lynch, Annette ; Strauss, Mitchell D. ( 2014 ). Ethnic Dress in the United States : A Cultural Encyclopedia. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 176. ISBN 9780759121508. Jump up ^ Matory, J. Lorand ( 2015 ). Stigma and Culture : Last - Place Anxiety in Black America. University of Chicago Press. p. 134. ISBN 9780226297736. Jump up ^ Boateng, Boatema ( 2011 ). The Copyright Thing Does n't Work Here : Adinkra and Kente Cloth and Intellectual Property in Ghana. University of Minnesota Press. p. 140. ISBN 9780816670024. Jump up ^ `` Fraternity and Sorority Kente Stoles ''. KENTECLOTH.net. Retrieved 2017 - 03 - 19. External links African fabric and fashion Kente Cloth from A to Z Folk costume Africa Balgha Boubou Dashiki Djellaba Head tie Jellabiya Kente cloth Kufi Tagelmust Wrapper Asia Central Chapan Deel Paranja East China Changshan Cheongsam Chinese tunic suit Hanfu Magua Tangzhuang Japan Hachimaki Kimono Korea Cheopji Daenggi Gache Hanbok Hwagwan Jokduri Manggeon South Afghanistan Pakol Bhutan Gho Kira Dhoti Dupatta India Lungi Nepal Pakistan Pathin Perak Peshawari pagri Sari Shalwar kameez Sherwani Southeast Burma Longyi Gaung baung Cambodia Krama Sampot Indonesia Batik Blangkon Ikat Kebaya Kupiah Songket Peci Ulos Laos Xout lao Suea pat Sinh Malaysia Baju Kurung Baju Melayu Philippines Maria Clara gown Barong Tagalog Malong Thailand Sbai Chang kben Sinh Raj pattern Tudong Vietnam Áo bà ba Áo dài Áo giao lĩnh Áo tứ thân Western Chador Kurdish Europe Balkan Albanian Brez Çorape Opinga Qeleshe Xhamadan Xhubleta Croatia Fustanella Greek Chiton Chlamys Himation Kosovo Macedonia Romania Serbia British Is. Country attire Court attire Ireland Scotland Aboyne Feather bonnet Kilt Sporran Wales Central Dirndl Lederhosen Poffer Poland Tracht Eastern Armenia Azerbaijan Kalaghai Ukraine Ukrainian wreath Russia Kokoshnik Kosovorotka Lapti Orenburg shawl Sarafan Nordic Bunad Gákti Iceland Sweden Middle East Abaya Assyria Boshiya Burqa Izaar Jilbāb Keffiyeh Kurdish Niqāb Palestine Thawb Turban Hejazi Latin America Aguayo Chile Chamanto Chilote cap Chilote poncho Chupalla Chullo Guayabera Huipil Mexico Huarache Mexican pointy boots Rebozo Serape Sombrero Quechquemitl Liqui liqui Lliklla Panama hat Pollera Poncho Ruana North America Tignon Western wear Bolo tie Chaps Oceania Grass skirt Feather cloak I - sala Lap - lap Lava - lava Kiekie ( clothing ) Pareo Sulu ( skirt ) Ta'ovala Tēfui Tupenu Fabric Woven Aertex Airdura Airguard Barathea Barkcloth Batiste Bedford cord Bengaline Beta cloth Bombazine Brilliantine Broadcloth Buckram Bunting Burlap C change Calico Cambric Canvas Chambray Capilene Cedar bark Challis Char cloth Charmeuse Charvet Cheesecloth Chiffon Chino Chintz Cloqué Cloth of gold Cordura Corduroy Duck Coutil Crape Crêpe Cretonne Dazzle Denim Dimity Donegal tweed Dornix Dowlas Drill Drugget Eolienne Flannel Foulard Fustian Gabardine Gauze Gazar Georgette Ghalamkar Gingham Grenadine Grenfell Cloth Grosgrain Habutai Haircloth Harris Tweed Herringbone Himroo Hodden Irish linen Jamdani Kerseymere Khādī Khaki drill Kente cloth Lamé Lawn Linsey - woolsey Loden Longcloth Mackinaw Madapolam Madras Moleskin Muslin Nainsook Nankeen Ninon Oilskin Organdy Organza Osnaburg Ottoman Oxford Paduasoy Percale Pongee Poplin Rakematiz Rayadillo Rep Rinzu Ripstop Russell cord Saga Nishiki Samite Sateen Satin Saye Scarlet Seersucker Sendal Serge Scrim Shot silk Stuff Taffeta Tais Toile Tucuyo Tweed Twill Ultrasuede Vegetable flannel Ventile Vinyl coated polyester Viyella Voile Wadmal Wigan Whipcord Zephyr Zorbeez Figured woven Brocade Camlet Damask Lampas Songket Pile woven Baize Chenille Corduroy Crimplene Fustian Mockado Moquette Plush Polar fleece Terrycloth Velours du Kasaï Velvet Velveteen Zibeline Nonwoven Felt Cedar bark Knitted Boiled wool Coolmax Machine knitting Milliskin Jersey Velour Netted Bobbinet Carbon fiber Lace Mesh Needlerun net Ninon Tulle Technical Ballistic nylon Ban - Lon Conductive Darlexx E-textiles Gannex Gore - Tex Silnylon Spandex Stub - tex SympaTex Windstopper Patterns Argyle Bizarre silk Chiné Herringbone Houndstooth Paisley Pin stripes Polka dot Shweshwe Tartan ( plaid ) Tattersall Textile fibers Acrylic Alpaca Angora Cashmere Coir Cotton Eisengarn Hemp Jute Kevlar Linen Mohair Nylon Microfiber Olefin Pashmina Polyester Piña Ramie Rayon Sea silk Silk Sisal Spandex Spider silk Wool Finishing and printing Androsia Batik Beetling Bingata Bògòlanfini Burnout Calendering Decatising Devoré Finishing Fulling Heatsetting Mercerization Moire Nap Rogan printing Rōketsuzome Roller printing Sanforization Tenterhook Textile printing Warp printing Waxed cotton Woodblock printing Indienne Fabric mills Carlo Barbera Cerruti Dormeuil Drago Ermenegildo Zegna E. Thomas Holland & Sherry Larusmiani Loro Piana Reda Scabal Vitale Barberis Canonico Related Dyeing Fiber History of textiles History of silk Knitting Pandy Shrinkage Swatches and strike - offs Synthetic fabric Terminology Manufacturing Preservation Weaving Yarn Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kente_cloth&oldid=798813084 '' Categories : Akan Akan culture Ashanti people Woven fabrics African clothing Hidden categories : Webarchive template wayback links All articles with failed verification Articles with failed verification from October 2011 Articles needing additional references from January 2015 All articles needing additional references All articles lacking reliable references Articles lacking reliable references from February 2016 Articles containing video clips Talk Contents About Wikipedia Čeština Deutsch Español Français Lietuvių 日本 語 Português Edit links This page was last edited on 3 September 2017, at 23 : 51. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: when is the mmeeda kente cloth pattern worn
Answer: in times of extreme importance