Wrapper, Date Unknown
Eweexpand_more
Cottonexpand_more
Gift of funds from the Regis Foundationexpand_more 2005.18.3
Not on Viewexpand_more
Kente cloth is produced in long, thin strips on narrow-strip looms. The strips of cloth are pieced together with alternating blocks of colors and patterns, producing a basket weave effect. A distinguishing feature of Ewe weavers' kente is the use of representational imagery in some of the pattern blocks. Here one recognizes, among other things, knives, combs, hats, spindles, cowrie shells, as well as the human hand with an open palm, which is meant to be read as: "I am clean."
Kente is not only used for personal adornment but also as a powerful expressive medium of communication; even colors and abstract patterns are significant. Today kente has become a kind of Pan African cloth worn by political leaders and dignitaries from all over the continent to help express their African identity.
Details
- Title
- Wrapper
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2005.18.3
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.
No Image Available