Kente is just one of the famed indigenous cloths of Ghana. The origin of the craft is shared among the the Asante ethnic culture in the southern element of the Ashanti region and the Ewe ethnic culture in the Volta area of Ghana. The occasions of getting the artwork of weaving and the designs among the two teams had been simultaneous. Though the Asantes feel that they learnt the craft from how grass in a natural way interlocks, the Ewes claim they learnt the craft from the purple and black stripped cobra which is their totem. Regardless of what be the circumstance, there are intriguing designs and colours of the indigenous cloth that have interesting symbolic meanings that reveal the values, norms and beliefs of the ethnic cultures. It is necessary that wearers of this famous fabric know the meaning of the types and kinds so that they can use them to ideal situations.
Asante Kente Names and Layouts
There are basically five kente weave styles on which the a variety of intricate and diverse styles originate. These are Adwin, Akyem, Ahwepan or Hweepan, Nkyeretire or Nkyereano and Faprenu.
• The Adwin kente sample is a layout weave sample which quite wonderful. It is pointed out for its intricate types therefore the title Adwin (talent). It requires dexterity or wonderful ability on the part of the weaver to be in a position to come out with this weave sample.
• The Akyem kente sample is pointed out for its vibrant character. It was named right after the community chook with distinct coloured feathers referred to as Akyem by the Asantes of Ghana. Due to the variety in its colours, it is highly-priced and is worn by the rich in the society.
• The Ahwepan or Hweepan kente sample has no structure in it consequently the identify ‘hwee’ that means ‘nothing’. It is the simplest of all the weave patterns. No question it is woven by amateurs and new apprentices.
• The Nkyeretire or Nkyereano kente sample has the types showing up only at the edges (‘tire’or ‘ano’) of the woven fabric with the middle of the cloth with no designs.
• The Faprenu kente pattern has two or double (prenu) warp sheets woven alongside one another with a person weft sheet. It is pretty compact, sturdy and long lasting. This is why it was worn by crucial personalities in the indigenous Ghanaian society.
• Kyeretwie (kyere- seize, twie- leopard). This kente weave sample suggests one’s ability to capture a live leopard. Thanks to the truth that it is a really painstaking endeavor as this kind of, this kente sample is linked with energy, could and bravery. Its wearer was viewed as this kind of. For that reason, this kente sample was reserved and restricted for wonderful chiefs.
• Adwinasa (Adwin- ability, Asa-fatigued). This kente weave pattern usually means the kente weaver has utilised or employed all the competencies and models that he is familiar with in the weaving of the fabric and has exhausted all of them. It is a really complicated weave sample which is incredibly highly-priced. Hence, important personalities and chiefs have been allowed to wear this kente sample.
• Obo fa, dade fa (partly stone, partly metallic). This kente weave pattern is worn for funeral ceremonies. It reminds customers of the bereaved family members and sympathizers that loss of life is portion of man (obo- we are dust) as a result we want to endure the decline of the cherished one with a potent interior energy (dade- like metal).
Asante Kente Names and Designs
• Ehianaga (Ehiana-necessary, ga- dollars). It suggests cash is needed in the Ewe tongue. It is a beautiful sort of kente weave amid the Ewes. The title implies that to be able to purchase the kente fabric demands a excellent offer of revenue. It is worn by the rich and renowned in the society.
• Lorlofukpekpe (lorlor- appreciate, fukpekpe- turned into suffering). This kente weave sample serves as a reminder to the wearer and onlookers that one’s expectations might not constantly be fulfilled and that 1 may perhaps encounter disappointment or heartbreak from people he or she enjoys such as companions, friends, and relatives.
• Afiadeke Mefa o (Afiadeke- Nowhere, Mefa- interesting). This kente pattern literally suggests ‘nowhere is cool’. It advises us that we need not crave for what other have and complain bitterly about our ailment. It admonishes us to be material or take pleasure in who we are, what we have and the ailments that we locate ourselves.
• Fiawo Yome (Fiawo- king, Yome- next or subsequent). This kente weave pattern means ‘next to kings or next to royals’. It is a quite gorgeous and high-priced weave sample. It is worn by significant men and women in the society.
The symbolism of the Kente designs that have been discussed amid the two ethnic cultures is with regard to the major and quite well-liked types of the indigenous fabric. On the other hand, there are other assorted layouts with fascinating symbolic interpretations. Familiarizing oneself with these symbolic connotations of the fabric will deepen the comprehension of the tradition of these vibrant ethnic societies in Ghana.
