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Pattern+Place: Colorful Kente Cloth from Ghana
Known for it’s bright, bold colors and geometric patterns, Kente cloth is one of the most recognizable textiles from Africa. Kente cloth weaving originated from the Ashanti Kingdom and Akan people of Southern Ghana. Historically it was worn by royalty and prestigious people for important occasions. With the advent of commercially woven cloths, it is now seen on everyday clothing and items which some feel has diluted the cultural importance of the art form. Traditional weaving of Kente cloth is done in very long 4″ strips. Then, the strips are then sewn together to make fabric. The pattern and color usage are are highly symbolic. For instance, black represents maturation…