Why Kente Still Reigns: The Rich Story Behind Ghana’s Iconic Cloth
Introduction Walk into any Ghanaian wedding, graduation, or important gathering and you’ll likely spot brilliant patterns of Kente cloth shining proudly. Even beyond Ghana, Kente has become a global symbol of African identity, worn by people from all walks of life. But why does this colourful woven fabric continue to reign supreme, century after century? At Gh-Smile, we dive into the rich story of Kente and why it remains Ghana’s most cherished cloth. A Royal Beginning Kente’s roots trace back to the Ashanti Kingdom in the 17th century. According to legend, two friends from Bonwire — the town still famed for Kente weaving — learned the art by watching a spider weaving its web. They brought this idea home and created the first Kente fabric. Traditionally, Kente was reserved for Ashanti kings and chiefs during sacred ceremonies. Wearing it was a mark of honour and authority. More Than Just a Cloth — It Speaks Every Kente design has a name and tells a story. The patterns (called Adwi...