Photographs © Tim Hamill
ASANTE (or ASHANTI), KENTE CLOTH 9, 77x46", SOLD
Woven in narrow warp strips of rayon, formerly silk, this textile begins and ends with a "head" of five design blocks. The name for each Kente pattern is derived from the warp striping, though the designs in the weft are also significant and have names. The wearing of Kente was once the prerogative of the king and high-ranking chiefs, but today it can be worn by other Asante on formal occasions. This size cloth is worn by a woman; a full man's kente is usually about 7 x 11 feet.
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