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Kente Wrapper

A work made of rayon, weft-faced plain weave with supplementary and brocading weft patterning.

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  • A work made of rayon, weft-faced plain weave with supplementary and brocading weft patterning.

Date:

1901/50

Artist:

Asante
Ghana

About this artwork

Since the early 18th century, kente cloth has been an important part of Asante royal regalia. Known for its bold, contrasting colors and dense patterns, kente has a striking visual impact when worn. Traditionally, Asante men weave kente. They begin by making a long strip, two- to three-inches wide, on a horizontal loom. When finished, the strip is cut into sections of equal length and sewn together edge to edge to make a complete cloth. The heaviest and most elaborate garments may join as many as 24 strips. Though once restricted to royal use, today kente is more accessible to the public. It is often worn on special religious or social occasions, including weddings, child-naming ceremonies, burials, and funerals.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Textiles

Culture

Asante

Title

Kente Wrapper

Place

Ghana (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

Made 1901–1950

Medium

Rayon, weft-faced plain weave with supplementary and brocading weft patterning

Dimensions

323.3 × 212.8 cm (127 1/4 × 83 5/8 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. David C. Ruttenberg

Reference Number

1986.1043

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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