The Magic and The Truth of the Kente Cloth

 

I'm in a really neat place and time!   I prepared for my first instance of being the guest presenter for the Modern Quilt Guild.... OKC here in OKC!   I followed through on my intentions to join.   And this might mean that I quilt something unique and befitting to the likings of QUILT-CON!  Another dream is coming alive!

As I shared the large variety of fabric in my stash:  I began to read and... teaching falls so naturally for me when I spoke of Kente cloth, and mud cloth, a few other woven-same on both sides of printed African fabric stored carefully!   I cherish their beauty....

Let talk about what is // and what the colors in the kente cloth mean!

Firstly, the vibrant, colorful weavings of the Kente cloth carry different levels of meaning around the world. 

As I believe that I am a descendant of an African great-grandmother who brought from Africa to probably the eastern seaboard and my white slaver ancestors moved to the Carolinas:  I cherish the Kente cloth as it represents a celebration of my family in overcoming struggle. To the people of what is now modern-day Ghana, the symbolism behind each Kente design goes even deeper.

Sources note that Kente farmers who encountered a beautifully woven spider web, and emulated and presented the technique to their king. While those first cloths were woven using only black and white colors, dyes were implemented over time!

Each color is said to carry a specific meaning to the wearer of the cloth: 

·         Black, the most significant and incorporated color of Kente, represents spiritual strength and maturity. (rather than sin-darkness-despicable symbolism often mentioned by Bible toters!)

·         Red denotes blood, and political passion and strength

·         Blue stands for peace, love, and harmony

·         Gold or Yellow represents wealth and royalty

·         Green means growth, harvest, and renewal

·         White symbolizes purity, cleansing rites, and festive occasions

·         Purple or Maroon represents Mother Earth, healing, and protection from evil

The colors, patterns, and shapes woven together on each Kente cloth combine to represent a story, theme, or anecdote, or symbolize the wearer’s clan or specific set of values.