Wrapped in pride: Ghanaian kente and African American identity

Abstract

Kente is not only the best known of all African textiles, it is also one of the most admired of all fabrics worldwide. Originating among the Asante peoples of Ghana and the Ewe peoples of Ghana and Togo, this brilliantly colored and intricately patterned strip-woven cloth was traditionally associated with royalty. Over time, however, it has come to be worn and used in many different contexts. In this text, seven distinguished scholars present an exhaustive examination of the history of kente from its earliest use in Ghana to its modern impact in the African Diaspora.

Contents

Introduction: fine weaves and tangled webs ; Asante: kingdom of cloth ; A beautiful cloth does not wear itself / Doran H. Ross -- Maternal legacies: a weave of stories / Abena P.A. Busia -- The Gods wear Kente / Raymond A. Silverman -- The loom and weaving technology / Doran H. Ross -- Samuel Cophie, master weaver / Anne Spencer -- Asante cloth names and motifs / Doran H. Ross -- Cloth in Eweland: historical perspectives / Agbenyega Adedze -- Kente and its image outside of Ghana / Doran H. Ross -- Pride and avarice: Kente and advertising / Nii O. Quarcoopome -- Pride and dignity / Betsy D. Quick -- Fashioned heritage / Doran H. Ross -- Catalog of Asante and Ewe weaving.