In Ghana, if you need to give a gift and you’re not
sure what's appropriate, you cannot go wrong if you give cloth. One of the
best known Ghanaian textiles is kente, a cloth that is woven in narrow strips about 5 inches wide and 4 feet long and costs 10
or 15 cedis depending on the type of thread used. Looking for a more dramatic gift?
Bigger pieces of kente are made when the strips are sewn together. These are
often used for making clothes. Really, really big pieces seem to have two popular uses: they
are worn toga-style by Ghanians to ceremonies and celebrations, or purchased by ex-pats intent on owning a
stunning bedspread!
If you want to learn a little more, hit this link for a nice description of why kente cloth is so important to Ghanaian culture.
If you want to learn a little more, hit this link for a nice description of why kente cloth is so important to Ghanaian culture.
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| These weavers are set up beside a busy road about 45 minutes walk from campus. |
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| All the weavers say they have a lot of low back pain... |
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| ... and calluses. |
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| The warp extends from the loom and is tethered to a rock. Its also exactly high enough for dogs who want to scratch their backs to walk under. |
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| This freshly minted bride and groom wore traditional garments made of kente. |
1 comment:
From your link:
"Choosing to pass on kente cloth to a relative is considered to be a symbol of unity with that individual and is an honor that speaks of very high regard and esteem."
and I am suitably touched.
v.
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