Documenting changing fashion in Africa post-1960
This pair of women’s kente cloth was made by Ewe weaver, Atsu Eboe. The technique is called ‘Kpevi’ or two stones, this is a generic Ewe term used in the Southern Volta region, the specific design is called ‘Korsokorso’ or chain. It is one of a pair of cloths that would be worn by women, Read More …
This narrow strip of kente was created by Ewe weaver Joseph Wordu. This is an example of Asidanuvor or design cloth, that features symbols, motifs and animals. A design such as this with simple geometric motifs is woven by apprentices, before learning to master more complicated animal and object motifs. This cloth was bought from Read More …
This narrow strip of kente was created by Ewe weaver Joseph Wordu. This type is called Nigerian weave, which one of the newest weaving styles. The name stems from Yoruba influences on Ewe weavers working in Nigeria, which was adapted to the Ghanaian market when these weavers returned home to the Volta region. This cloth Read More …
This narrow strip woven kente cloth was created by Ewe weaver Joseph Wordu. This type of striped cloth is called ‘Ehianaga’ meaning ‘it needs money’ in Ewe. These are woven in the coastal Agozume region only. It is a simple and quick cloth to weave, produced for everyday wear. Joseph sells these at his local Read More …
This narrow strip woven kente cloth was created by an Ewe weaver at Joseph Wordu’s weaving workshop. He employs and trains male weavers and this type of plain cloth has long been woven in his workshop. These cloths are produced for everyday wear and are sold at his local textiles market in Agbozume. Like many Read More …
This kente cloth was made by an unknown Ewe weaver from the Volta region of Ghana. Generically known as Asidanuvor in the Southern Volta region, this translates as ‘design cloth’ and refers to the intricate motifs and animals woven into the cloth. This earlier example of kente demonstrates fine, quality weaving, when cloths were woven Read More …
This University of Ghana commemorative cloth features the university colours (dark blue and yellow), crest, and motto: ‘integri procedemus’. Commemorative cloths are a popular way to promote organisations, people and events. This example was made from machine printed cotton by Akosombo Textiles Ltd, and purchased from the Univeristy campus bookstore by Brighton Museum as part Read More …
This kente cloth strip was collected from a shop at the Mokola Market in Accra in 2017. The shop sells numerous examples of these single strips and caters mainly for tourists. Kente refers to a textile that is made by weaving coloured cotton and silk strips in intricate geometric patterns, that are sewn together to Read More …
This narrow woven kente strip was collected from a shop at the Mokola Market in Accra. Its design is fairly new, featuring geometric patterns. It is an example of good quality strips made for general market, rather than being commissioned by specific customers. Kente refers to a textile that is made by weaving coloured cotton Read More …
This Asante kente cloth is made from rayon. The design features a stool motif, alluding to chieftancy and power. Kente refers to a textile that is traditionally made by weaving coloured cotton and silk into varied and intricate patterns. The practice was originated by the Asante and Ewe people in Ghana. It was collected from Read More …