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Kente cloth, known locally as nwentoma, is a type of fabric made of interwoven woven cloth strips and is native to the country of Ghana, where it was first developed in the 12th century. A variety of kente patterns have been invented, each of which has a certain concept or concepts traditionally associated with it. For example, the Obaakafoo Mmu Man pattern symbolizes democratic rule; Emaa Da, novel creativity and knowledge from experience; and Sika Fre Mogya, responsibility to share monetary success with one's relations.
Similar traditional varieties of cloth are known to various tribes throughout Africa by various names. In the West, these, however, are quite often all called 'kente'.
External link
- Akan Cloths (http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/akanclothintro.html) - Part of Marshall University's 'Akan Arts' project, this site describes kente and several kente patterns
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