Kente Wrapper
Early twentieth century
Asante Ghana
Ghana
The alternating pattern blocks of this kente feature vibrant horizontal and vertical stripes as well as checked, zigzag, and concentric diamond designs that produce a dazzling visual effect. The shimmer of the lustrous silk threads enhances this effect and is believed to offer spiritual protection to the wearer, reflecting evil back upon its source.
Textile companies across the globe have popularized printed fabrics with designs that emulate these complex woven patterns. Printing is faster, less expensive, and results in a lighter weight fabric, however the ubiquity of these reproductions may adversely impact kente weavers, whose work must compete in the textile market with mass produced fabrics.
Silk, 26 narrow woven strips of warp-stripe plain weave with supplementary patterning wefts; joined; warp fringe