What is Kente Clothing?
Kente clothing refers to garments made from a distinctive hand-woven textile that originated among the Akan people, particularly the Asante community in Ghana, and is also traditionally woven by the Ewe people in the Volta Region. Traditionally associated with royalty and prestige, the cloth was once worn mainly by kings and important leaders during ceremonial occasions.
Key facts about Kente cloth include:
- The name Kente is believed to derive from the Akan word kenten, meaning ‘basket’, referring to the fabric’s intricate woven structure that resembles a basket pattern.
- Kente is created by weaving narrow strips known as ntomaban or bankuo on a loom.
- These strips are usually about 3 to 5 inches wide and 5 to 6 feet long.
- The strips are traditionally woven using silk or cotton threads.
- After weaving, the strips are carefully sewn together to form larger pieces of fabric used for clothing and ceremonial attire.
Features and Symbolism of Kente Cloth
Each Kente acts as a cultural symbol and a form of nonverbal communication, with each pattern carrying its own name and meaning. Every pattern and colour combination tells a story.
Key elements that define Kente cloth include:
- Bright colours such as gold, green, red, and black that carry symbolic meanings
- Complex geometric patterns represent proverbs, virtues, and historical ideas
- Recognition as a Ghanaian geographical indication, helping protect the textile’s cultural origin
Origins of Kente and its Cultural Meaning
The origins of Kente cloth trace back several centuries in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. According to tradition, the weaving technique was inspired by the intricate patterns of a spider’s web, leading local artisans to replicate the design through weaving.
Historically, Kente was considered sacred and reserved for royalty. It was worn by the Asante king and members of the royal court during important ceremonies. Over time, the fabric became widely embraced across Ghana while still maintaining its ceremonial significance.
Kente clothing represents:
- Cultural identity and pride
- Social status and achievement
- Historical storytelling through textile patterns
Although modern fashion has broadened its use, Kente still carries deep cultural meaning for many Ghanaian communities.
Kente as Ghanaian Traditional Clothing
Kente plays a central role in the traditional clothing of Ghanaians, often appearing alongside other iconic garments and regional attire. While Kente dominates ceremonial fashion in southern Ghana, other styles reflect the country’s diverse cultural landscape.
- Kente cloth worn as a wrapped garment over the shoulders
- Kaba and slit, a popular women’s ensemble consisting of a fitted blouse and a matching skirt
- Northern smocks, such as fugu or batakari, loose garments worn by men in northern Ghana
These styles highlight the diversity of Ghanaian fashion traditions while maintaining shared cultural symbolism.
How Kente Clothing is Worn Today
While traditional Kente was typically wrapped around the body like a toga, modern fashion has introduced many creative ways to wear the fabric. Designers and artisans now incorporate Kente into contemporary garments while preserving its cultural identity.
Today, Kente clothing appears in many forms, including:
- Men’s shirts and jackets incorporating woven strips
- Tailored dresses and skirts featuring kente patterns
- Accessories such as bags, scarves, and head wraps
- Graduation stoles worn by students of African heritage worldwide
This blend of tradition and modern design keeps Kente relevant while honouring its roots.
Makola Market
Established in 1924, this is one of the busiest and most colourful markets in Accra. It offers a wide range of textiles, including:
- A large selection of fabric stalls
- Traditional textiles from across Ghana
- A lively market atmosphere that reflects everyday Accra life
Boutiques in Osu and East Legon
For those seeking premium hand-woven Kente pieces, Accra’s fashion boutiques offer carefully curated collections crafted by local designers. Areas such as Osu and East Legon have developed a vibrant boutique fashion scene, with concept stores and designer studios showcasing collections from both international labels and contemporary African designers.
Boutiques in areas such as Osu and East Legon often feature:
- Authentic hand-woven Kente cloth
- Contemporary Kente fashion designs
- Higher quality finishing and tailoring
- Designer collections suitable for special occasions
Visitors may also find opportunities for custom tailoring or personalised fittings, reflecting Accra’s strong culture of made-to-measure fashion.
Tips for Buying Authentic Kente Cloth
Because Kente is widely celebrated, many versions are produced for tourists and fashion markets. Knowing how to identify authentic Kente helps ensure you purchase a genuine piece of Ghanaian craftsmanship.
When shopping for Kente cloth in Accra, look for:
- Neatly finished edges, without fraying or loose threads
- Clear and well-defined patterns, with colours that do not bleed into each other
- A smooth cotton or silk texture, rather than rough or synthetic fabric
- Careful stitching between the woven strips, showing skilled craftsmanship
- Prices that reflect the hand-woven process, since authentic Kente is rarely extremely cheap
Authentic Kente usually has a slightly heavier feel and a distinct woven texture compared to machine-printed fabrics.
A Comfortable Base for Exploring Accra’s Textile Markets
Shopping for Kente clothing in Accra can be an exciting experience, especially when exploring bustling markets and local fashion districts. Staying in a central location makes it easier to visit these areas and return with your finds.
At The Pelican Hotel, we offer a convenient and secure base for exploring Accra. Located in the prestigious Cantonments neighbourhood, our hotel sits in one of the city’s most well-established and peaceful districts, placing guests close to key areas such as Osu and East Legon, where many Kente boutiques and fashion stores can be found.
During your stay, we offer a range of amenities designed for comfort and relaxation, including:
- Well-appointed, air-conditioned rooms and suites with Wi-Fi access and 24-hour room service.
- A multi-cuisine restaurant serving dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, along with an al fresco bar for relaxed outdoor dining and drinks.
- A refreshing swimming pool & a fully equipped fitness centre
- Event spaces and business facilities
- Concierge assistance to help plan shopping trips and local experiences
- Complimentary airport shuttle transfers
