Kente & Cloth

In Ghana, clothing is a way to express who you are, where you're from, and what you believe in. The most famous type of clothing is Kente, which was initially weaved in the town of Bonwire by the Ashanti people. According to legend, this elaborate art form started when two weavers were moved by a spider's web. Originally worn only by royalty and during rare occasions, kente is now proudly worn by Ghanaians worldwide for festivals, weddings, and graduations.

Every Kente design has a name and significance. Some commemorate virtues like leadership, unity, or love, while others are based on proverbs. Additionally, the colors have symbolic meanings: black symbolizes spiritual strength and ancestors, green signifies growth, red signifies sacrifice, white signifies purity and victory, and gold stands for monarchy and prosperity. The selection of a Kente cloth is deliberate and potent; it is not arbitrary.

Adinkra, another traditional fabric from the Akan people, is typically imprinted with significant symbols. Although Adinkra was first worn during funerals, you may today find its designs on jewelry, clothes, and notebooks. In Ghanaian culture, symbols such as Gye Nyame, which means "except for God," and Duafe, which represents beauty and feminine care, are ubiquitous and visually represent our ideals.

The Batakari, sometimes known as a smock, is found in northern Ghana. This striking hand woven garment, which has strong stripes, is associated with the northern warrior monarchs' past. Like Kente, the smock has become a national symbol and is worn by elders and chiefs. Ghanaian clothing, whether from the north or the south, has a story to tell, and when you wear it, you proudly display that tale.