A cloth easily identifiable by its combination of distinct patterns and bold colours, did you know that the colours of Kente Cloth go beyond aesthetic beauty, wearer and weavers preference? Like most of Africas visual art forms, Kente is heavily coded, acting as a form of communication between the wearer and its wider audience - a historical story telling experience in fashion form, if you will.
Matched together with geometric patterns, these colours tell a story only interpreted by those abreast with current affairs, deep ancestral knowledge and history, as well as genealogical awareness. Additionally, familial events, historical and political themes are also worth noting for its significant contributions in decoding the individual cloth. As interpreted through the eyes of Ghana’s indigenous tribal and cultural belief systems, Kente colours are rooted in ancient ideology, exploring themes of oneness and its relationship with earth and spirituality. Above all the colours of Kente Cloth, together with the designs are an embodiment of both societal influence & affluence and to this day, inform the choice and shade of colour placement by the weaver. With colour therefore identified as a key element in Kente's language and communicative competence, we walk you through its significance in this series of Kente Diaries - A Colourful Conversation.
RED
Traditionally, this colour symbolises violence and anger associated with war, political and spiritual mood. It also represents, bloodshed, sacrificial rites, death and mourning.
MAROON
Maroon represents mother earth which is associated with healing.
YELLOW
Yellow symbolises beauty, preciousness, wealth, royalty and fertility.
PURPLE
This colour is associated with the feminine aspects of life - a symbol of earth, femininity and healing.
BLUE
The colour blue symbolises peacefulness, harmony and love - a favourite kente colour of choice for weddings, and traditional engagements.
PINK
Pink is associated with the female essence of life.
GREEN
Green symbolises vegetation, planting, harvesting, growth and spiritual renewal.
WHITE
White is associated with purity, sanctification rites and festive occasions.
BLACK
The colour black represents old age & maturity, death or intensified spiritual energy.
GREY
Grey represents healing and cleansing rituals, associated with ash.
GOLD
The colour gold represents wealth, royalty, high status, glory and spiritual purity.
SILVER
Silver indicates serenity, purity, and joy associated with the moon.
Where Kente has become a global magnet for a broad and defused desire for Africaness, the uninformed ‘user’ [often unaware of Kente's heavy colour symbolism and visual language], is often accused of cultural appropriation and disrespectful use. So the next time you purchase, commission or wear this sacred cloth, consider its colour references, personal significance and appropriateness for use or function. But most importantly, consider the commissioning of your next Kente Cloth as a opportunity to create your very own visual and personal conversation. Pre-order a cloth that instigates an engaging fashion statement between the wearer and its audience because this, is the divine and ancient purpose of Kente - a historical story telling experience in fashion form.
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