Authentic Kente Cloth | Ghana
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I messaged these wonderful ladies for my wedding dress plans and they immediately set up a video call. After a lovely chat and some pictures of the available Kente sent from Ghana, I received my parcel in just 4 days. The quality of the Kente was excellent with all the colours being even more vibrant than in the photos. My dress is absolutely stunning with the added plus of having supported a female-led business and local artisans. I could honestly not be happier and highly recommend Afrothreads for authentic, high-quality Kente!” — Julia (Germany)
Our family is from Ghana’s Ashanti Region, one of the areas where Kente Cloth is made. Our grandfather wove this beautiful fabric and so did many of our uncles. We are on a mission to educate people about the difference between authentic Kente Cloth (heavy cloth texture, intricate threads, rich colors) versus Kente prints—an imitation of the cloth which is often mass-produced outside of Africa.
We are intentional about keeping traditional Kente weaving alive. This way, the history and meaning of the textile can be authentically passed down. One of the best thing about African fabrics are the stories they carry over time.
We have built relationships with talented Kente Cloth weavers and reputable retail stores in order to provide authentic Kente Cloth to customers worldwide. Learn more below.
Weaving and processing takes 4-6 weeks and we offer free express shipping directly from Ghana.
Please contact us for a Kente Consultation to discuss designs, custom colors, and size options.
Authentic Kente Cloth worn traditionally for a wedding
FAQs:
How is Kente Cloth Made?
Kente is handwoven in wooden looms in the Ashanti and Volta Regions of Ghana. It involves the rhythmic movements of hands and feet to combine numerous threads into beautiful, meaningful patterns.
*Note that cotton kente prints are inauthentic; many of them are mass-produced outside of Ghana and sold at a fraction of the cost of handwoven Kente. This has a negative impact on the weaving industry.
What types of threads are used?
Kente can be woven with cotton, rayon, silk, and embroidery threads. Weavers have also used jewelry and other materials to adorn and/or weave kente.
What is Kente used for?
Kente in individual stoles or strips, as pictured in the looms above, are often worn during graduation ceremonies. Full sets of kente (multiple strips sewn together to create a large piece of cloth) are often used to make garments for special occasions, such as weddings, church, funerals, and more.
Prices start at $200 for three pieces of cloth (full sets), and the price varies based on the weaving technique and type of threads used
One piece of cloth measures approximately 40 inches wide and 60 inches long, but larger pieces are available)
Care instructions: dry clean or soak in warm soapy water; rinse; air dry; and iron low-medium
More recently, Ghanaian artisans have also used the cloth to make accessories like bags, sandals, and jewelry. Contemporary designers have been incorporating the cloth into various styles, such as workwear.
This sacred cloth should not be sat or stepped on (ex. used to make couch cushions or rugs).
Where do we source our Kente?
Our Kente cloth is sourced from the village of Bonwire, in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. We also work with Perfect Kente, a small business in Accra that sources Kente from Bonwire.
What do the designs mean?
Stay tuned as we are currently working with the Bonwire Kente Weavers’ Association to develop a Digital Kente Library!
Kente print outfit— not to be mistaken for authentic, heavyweight kente cloth
Kente worn for a graduation ceremony and to accessorize a purse and suit blazer
