1. Kente Cloth Patterns Fabric Patterns From Africa
By Ken Schwager

2. Kente cloth is a type of traditional fabric that is woven by hand in Africa.
Most Kente weavers are Men.
By age twelve, most boys begin helping their fathers by weaving Kente cloth after school.

3. Every pattern in Kente cloth has its own “story” that is told through the colors used, the pattern woven and the symbolism.
Some Kente designs are very traditional and others are quite contemporary.

4. The Kente loom is made from wood
The Kente loom is made from wood. The weaver sits inside the loom and controls it with his hands and feet.

5. Weavers often work together at outdoor looms, weaving from sunrise to sunset. This has been the tradition of their families for hundreds of years.

6. Kente cloth
is woven into
long, narrow
pieces, then
cut into strips
and sewn
together to make a broad cloth,
sometimes as large as twelve feet
in width.

7. Historically, Kente was considered the cloth of Kings.
Over time, the use of Kente became more widespread.
When Kente is proudly worn or used on ceremonial occasions, it brings honor and prestige to the event.

8. Kente cloth is worn by
both women and men.

9. Kente is made by the Asante and Ewe peoples of Ghana
Kente is made by the Asante and Ewe peoples of Ghana. It is the best known of all African textiles.
Kente comes from the word “kenten”, which means “basket.” The Asante peoples also refer to Kente as “nwentoma” or “woven cloth.”
The origins of Kente patterns date back to 12th century Africa, in the country of Ghana.

10. Most Kente designs are woven directly into the pattern.
Some Kente cloth is made by stamping the design in intricate patterns.

15. The End