Understanding kente fabric in South Africa

Kente cloth is originally from Ghana, and it has a very distinct look that separates it from other types of African print fabrics. Kente comes in geometric patterns.

The patterns can be in squares, rectangular or triangular formations, but never circular, I have not yet seen circular patterns on them.

Kente cloth is probably the most universally recognized of all African fabrics. The word “kente” means basket, and the cloth is so-named because of its resemblance to a woven basket design.

This fabric was first made by the Ashanti and Ewe people of Ghana.

If you watch a lot of American TV, you have probably heard mention of it in movies and sitcoms or seen a celebrity or two wearing Kente shirts on the red carpet.

This is because Ghana was the first African country to gain Independence and thus the culture of Ghana and its fabric become prominent amongst African Americans  who then started visiting Ghana.

Infact the first Ghanaian president. Kwame Nkurumah would be seen spotting kente fabric on occasion.

Its most dominant color is orange however with modern methods of weaving and printing and waxing, it now comes in every shade under the sun.

A lot of our customers love the purple kente and it usually gets sold out the minute is arrives.

Get your own kente fabric in South Africa at our shop, or read more of our articles at www.blogspot.labi.co.za.