5 Beautiful kente patterns with their meanings.

Kente is no ordinary cloth and is easily recognisable worldwide. The method of producing kente, called strip weaving, has existed in West Africa since the 11th century.

Kente is a Ghanaian textile, made of handwoven cloth strips of silk and cotton. Historically the fabric was worn in a toga-like fashion by royalty among ethnic groups including the Ewe and Ashanti. In modern Ghana, the wearing of Kente cloth has become widespread to commemorate special occasions, with highly sought after Kente brands led by master weavers.

If you want Kente for different occasions, we found specially made ones to suit your occasions;

OBAAKOFO MMU MAN

Literally means “one person does not rule a nation.”

It expresses the Akan system of governance based on participatory democracy. The nine squares represent MPUANKRON (nine tufts of hair) a ceremonial hair cut of some royal functionaries who help rulers make decisions. Originally the cloth was named FATHIA FATA NKRUMA. “Fathia is a suitable wife for Nkrumah.” After the military overthrow of Nkrumah, the original significance of MPUANKRON (participatory democracy) was applied to reflect the prevailing political atmosphere.

The cloth symbolizes PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY and WARNING AGAINST AUTOCRATIC RULE.

SIKA FUTORO

Literally means “gold dust.”

Before the use of coins and paper as money, gold dust, was used as a medium of exchange among the Akan peoples and was therefore considered as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The predominant use of intricately textured patterns in yellows, orange and reds replicate the visual characteristics of gold dust.

The cloth symbolizes WEALTH, ROYALTY, ELEGANCE, SPIRITUAL PURITY and HONORABLE ACHIEVEMENT.

ABUSUA YE DOM

Literally means “the extended family is a force.”

Among the Akan peoples, the extended family is the foundation of society. Like a military force, members of the family are collectively responsible for the material and spiritual well-being, the physical protection and the social security of all its members. The cloth was designed to celebrate and reinforce such positive attributes of the extended family system.

In its many variations and background colors the cloth symbolizes STRONG FAMILY BOND, THE VALUE OF FAMILY UNITY, COLLECTIVE WORK and RESPONSIBILITY and COOPERATION.

EMAA DA

Literally means “it has not happened before” or “it has no precedence.”

According to Nana Kwasi Afranie of Bonwire, the Asantehene’s chief weaver, the cloth was designed and so named by one of the Asante Kings who was so awed by the uniqueness of the pattern that he remarked “Eyi de emmaa da” meaning, “this one has no precedence.” The cloth was therefore reserved for the exclusive use of the King, but its use was later extended to people of high ranks.

It is a symbol of CREATIVE INGENUITY, INNOVATION, UNIQUENESS, PERFECTION and EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT.

TOKU KRA TOMA

Literally means Toku’s soul cloth.

The cloth is designed and named to commemorate the soul of a warrior Queenmother of that name, who, though was defeated and executed in a battle with Nana Opoku Ware I, the King of the Asante kingdom (1731-1742), was viewed as a courageous woman. It commemorates that historic event and honors the soul of that Queenmother for her bravery. In the past, such a cloth would only be worn by the royalty and people of high rank during very sacred ceremonies in which the spirits of the ancestors are venerated.

The cloth symbolizes COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP, HEROIC DEEDS, SELF-SACRIFICE, and SPIRITUAL VITALITY and REBIRTH.