12 elegant Ghanaian women in kente dress

12 elegant Ghanaian women in kente dress

If you have an evening planned, a traditional wedding, or an important event, we strongly advise you to choose clothes in kente fabric which are the ultimate in elegance and glamor in African style.

Kente fabric is considered to be the fabric of kings. In the past, it was worn by Akan kings and high society notables. Symbol of nobility, power and prestige, Kente clothing is a staple of the African wardrobe.

But what is Kente?

Kente or kita is a traditional fabric of the Akan ethnic groups (Agnis, Baoulés, Abron, Attiés etc.) and Ashanti, Yoruba, Ewe, but also the Krous ethnic groups (Bété, Dida, Godié etc.) from Ghana and the Côte d ‘ Ivory. It is also very popular in West Africa, especially in Togo and Benin.

What is its origin ?

The origin of Kente fabric comes in part from a historical legend from two cities in the Asante region of Ghana, which are Bonwire and Adawomase. On Bonwire’s side, a man by the name of Otaa Kraban and his friend Kraku Amoagya de Bonwire learned the art of weaving by observing a spider weaving its web in the year 1650. Inspired by the spider web, they wove a band of raffia and subsequently improved their technique. They reported their discovery to their leader who, in turn, reported to the Asantehene. The Asantehene adopted the royal arts as a precious and prestigious fabric, and became the guardians of Asante Kente.

From the historical art of Adawomase weaving, it traces its origin in the north of Ouagadougou (now Burkina Faso) with the help of two Adawomase citizens, Nana Sarkodie and Nana Amankwa. They discovered this weaving technique during their usual commercial mission north of Ouagadougou around 1750.

What is the meaning of patterns

The patterns and figures have precise meanings according to cultures. And, there are also different types of kente including kente ashanti (geometric patterns in bright colors) and kente ewe (human or animal motifs).

The meaning of colors
Yellow: symbolizes wealth, generosity of the earth, opulence and the sun.
Green: expresses life, nature and prudence.
Blue: means wisdom, patience, humility and heaven and earth.
White: symbol of purity, innocence, spirituality and peace.
Black: expresses mourning, mystery and darkness.

The meaning of forms
Square: symbolizes the earth, femininity and the cosmos.
Triangle: expresses birth, existence and death.
Diamond: signifies the existential duality of existence and the destiny of man.
Circle: it is the infinite and the divinity.
Cross: symbol of the elements of water and fire and of strength.

Ghanaian women are well aware of the riches of their country. And don’t hesitate to wear and enhance traditional African fabrics.

Check out these gorgeous women from Ghana wrapped in kente below.