Asante (Akan) Kingdom

Their graphic decorations, symbols and figural compositions directly relate to proverbs, traditional sayings, or historical events. Thus, a person well versed in Asante history and proverbs, can 'read' the specific meanings represented in art objects. Most of the symbolic meanings of Akan art elaborate the necessity of wisdom. Interlace patterns: This interconnected and never-ending design refers to the continuity and balance important to life.

Detail of a man's kente cloth called Adweneasa, meaning "my skills are exhausted."

The Asante strip woven cloth called kente is the best known of African textiles. Originally kente was worn by royalty The names and meanings of kente designs allude to proverbs, historical events, social status, and the gender of the wearer. Each Asante king would create a new kente design after close consultation with master weavers during his reign. This new kente design had to be chosen with great care because its pattern and symbolic meaning would always be associated with this particular king.

Detail of a man's kente cloth from the Oyoko clan, the Asante kings dynasty. Colors coincide with the Ghanaian flag.

Color red in the flag signifies the blood of those who died during Ghana’s fight for independence. Gold denotes the mineral wealth of the country Green is the symbol for its rich natural vegetation The black star symbolizes the lodestar that was used in the freedom struggle.

Profile of a Sande mask with a snake and bird motif on top of the hairdo. What do these motifs mean?

Consider the following symbols and their meaning: Birds: at the top protect the powerful medicines inserted in the crown's summit. symbols of the mystical powers of women Faces: represent the royal ancestors who are said to watch and protect the royal line. Triangles: reflects its sacred qualities. Elephant: A symbol of longevity and power.

The colors of the Kente Cloth signify certain meanings: 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 wealthy women red—political and spiritual moods; bloodshed; sacrificial rites and death. silver—serenity, purity, joy; assoc. with the moon white—purification, sanctification rites and festive occasions yellow—preciousness, royalty, wealth, fertility

What is the meaning of this cloth according to the colors?

"The wealth of the greedy ultimately goes to the community.“ Purple is a sign of wealth in African Textiles

What do these Colors signify?

Date:16th–20th century Geography: Mali Culture: Dogon or Bozo peoples Medium: Copper

Date:15th–20th century Geography: Mali, Bougouni or Dioila region Culture: Bamana peoples Medium: Wood, dried mud

Date:15th–20th century Geography: Mali, Bougouni or Dioila region Culture: Bamana peoples Medium: Wood

Date:18th–early 19th century Geography: Mali Culture:Dogon peoples Medium: Wood, metal

Date:19th–20th century Geography: Mali Culture: Dogon peoples Medium: Wood, pigment