Kente Cloth

Kente is a traditional type of cloth made by the Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Kente ("basket") cloth is also known as nwentoma ("woven cloth"). According to the local legend this cloth was created when two men saw the spider making its web and decided to imitate it. Kente cloth was once worn by the local royals. It managed to keep its status. Nowadays people wear this cloth only on special occasions.

Ghanaian women wearing kente cloth

Patterns on this type cloth include various geometric shapes. Patterns are named after important events, personalities or even plants. Each colour has symbolic meaning. Here are just three examples. Black is the colour of deep spirituality. Blue symbolizes peace and harmony. Gold is the colour of royalty, wealth and high social status.