Raw Materials used
The type of raw materials used for weaving include:
- Cotton (grown in the north of Ghana)
- Silk (very expensive and was the traditional thread used)
- Rayon (synthetic fibre)
- Metallic thread (adds shine to cloth)
Did you know?
The kente cloth designs are powerful cultural symbols that represent history and philosophy. Each design has a specific name and significant meaning that reflects the cultural values of Ghanaians as well as historical events. You can tell the symbolic meanings from the different designs and colours used.
Examples of meanings behind the designs:
1) Fatia fata Nkrumah
Kwame Nkrumah being Ghana’s first president after the country gained independence from Britain in 1957. Fatia Nkrumah, as First Lady, was an Egyptian, therefore he married her for unity. This artwork bears her name and represents the prevention of racial hatred and discrimination.
2) Zig-zag
Life is not a smooth journey; there may be many obstacles in the way.
3) Mako Maso Adeae (my heart’s desire)
By putting it at a lady’s front door, it communicates the unspoken message “I love you” to the receiver.
Other designs communicate messages of good health, riches, and strength, among other things.
Examples of meanings behind the colours:
Yellow – royalty, wealth, beauty
Green – fertility, vegetation, forest, new harvest
Red – blood of ancestors, political, death
Blue – peace, harmony, love
Pink – love, happiness
Orange – wealth, joy
Gold – royalty, wealth, high status
Silver – joy, purity
Black – heritage, strength, spirituality
White – purity, festive
Grey – healing
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