Kente: The Royal Cloth of Ghana
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Instantly recognizable with its intertwined colored bands, kente is much more than a simple fabric: it's a symbol of prestige, history, and Ghanaian identity worn worldwide.
What is kente?
Kente is a hand-woven fabric originating from the Ashanti people of Ghana. Unlike wax print which is printed, kente is entirely woven: thin strips of silk or cotton are individually created on a narrow loom, then hand-sewn together to form the final piece.
A history linked to royalty
Historically, kente was reserved for Ashanti royalty and nobility, worn during official ceremonies and state events. Each pattern and color combination was imbued with meaning, reserved for specific occasions or social statuses. While democratized today, it remains associated with pride and celebration.
The meaning of colors
- Gold: wealth, royal status
- Green: growth, renewal
- Red: spiritual strength, sacrifice
- Blue: peace, harmony
- Black: spiritual maturity, connection to ancestors
Kente today
Kente remains very present during ceremonies (weddings, graduations, national holidays) and has also largely found its way into contemporary fashion, notably through accessories more accessible than traditional woven fabric.
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Our kente-inspired pieces
Our Kente Glory Turban captures the graphic spirit of this iconic fabric in a ready-to-wear headwrap. Our Elastic Wax Headband also features a kente print among its patterns. Discover them in our Crown Collection.
FAQ — Kente fabric
Are kente and kente-print wax the same?
No. True kente is hand-woven, a long and costly process. "Kente pattern" prints on wax fabric reproduce the visual aesthetic of the weaving on an industrially printed fabric, which is more accessible.
Can you wear kente without being Ghanaian?
Yes, kente is now widely shared and appreciated beyond Ghana, as long as it is worn with respect and knowledge of its history.
Why is true kente fabric so expensive?
The manual weaving of narrow strips and their assembly requires many hours of specialized work, which explains the high price of authentic kente pieces.