Ghanaian / West African Textile Aesthetic
"Kente" from "kenten" meaning basket - woven like the intricate patterns of a basket
Royal Gold
Royalty, Wealth, High Status, Prosperity
#D4A017
Forest Green
Renewal, Growth, Spiritual Rebirth
#1D6F42
Sacrifice Red
Blood, Sacrifice, Struggle, Passion
#C41E3A
Elder Black
Maturity, Spiritual Energy, Ancestors
#1A1A1A
Harmony Blue
Peace, Harmony, Love, Unity
#1E3A5F
Earth Orange
Earth, Healing, Endurance
#E07020
Display / Bebas Neue
ADINKRA
Heading / Oswald
Woven Stories of the Ashanti
Subheading
Each Pattern Tells a Proverb
Body / Source Sans Pro
Kente cloth originated with the Ashanti people of Ghana and has been woven for centuries. Traditionally reserved for royalty and special occasions, each pattern and color combination carries deep symbolic meaning. The cloth is woven in narrow strips on a horizontal loom, then sewn together to create larger pieces, resulting in the distinctive banded appearance that makes Kente instantly recognizable.
The most prestigious Kente pattern, meaning "my skill is exhausted." Worn by kings and queens, it represents the highest level of creativity and craftsmanship.
Named after the Oyoko clan, this pattern represents royalty, unity, and the bonds of kinship that hold communities together through generations.
Meaning "gold dust," this pattern symbolizes wealth and prosperity. The intricate gold threading represents the abundant blessings of the earth.
Cards can feature vertical Kente strips on the side, mimicking the traditional woven construction where narrow strips are sewn together to create larger cloths. This approach honors the authentic craft technique.
Every Kente pattern is built on a precise mathematical grid. The warp and weft threads interlace in carefully calculated sequences, creating complex geometries that appear to shift and shimmer as the cloth moves.
| Pattern Name | Meaning | Primary Colors | Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adweneasa | My skill is exhausted | Gold, Green, Red | Royal ceremonies |
| Fathia Fata Nkrumah | Fathia deserves Nkrumah | Gold, Black, Green | Weddings |
| Obaakofoo Mmu Man | One person does not rule | Gold, Blue, Red | Political gatherings |
| Emaa Da | It has never happened before | Gold, Green, Black | Special achievements |
| Sika Futuro | Gold dust | Gold, Red, Green | Prosperity celebrations |
Kente cloth is far more than fabric - it is a visual language. Developed by the Akan people of Ghana and Ivory Coast, particularly the Ashanti and Ewe, Kente weaving dates back to the 12th century. The word "Kente" derives from "kenten," meaning basket, referencing the basket-like interlacing of the threads.
Traditionally, Kente was reserved for royalty and worn during sacred ceremonies, festivals, and rites of passage. Today, it has become a symbol of African pride and heritage worldwide, worn to celebrate cultural identity and achievement.
"Each Kente cloth is a visual representation of history, philosophy, ethics, oral literature, moral values, social code of conduct, religious beliefs, political thought, and aesthetic principles."
Honor the traditional weaving technique by using horizontal bands and strip-based compositions. Each strip can contain its own pattern while contributing to the unified whole.
Colors carry meaning. Gold for royalty and wealth, green for renewal, red for sacrifice, black for maturity, and blue for harmony. Use colors intentionally to communicate values.
Kente patterns are built on mathematical grids. Embrace precise geometries - zigzags, diamonds, checkerboards, and interlocking shapes that create rhythm and movement.
Kente is worn to celebrate. Designs should be bold, vibrant, and celebratory - never muted or apologetic. This is an aesthetic of pride and achievement.
Reference the tactile quality of woven cloth through subtle texture overlays, stripe patterns, and the interplay of horizontal and diagonal lines that suggest thread interlacing.
Every Kente pattern tells a story or proverb. Design with intentionality - each visual element should contribute meaning and purpose to the overall narrative.