Kente Cloth Symbols and What they Mean

The diverse methods used in weaving the Kente cloth is what results in the different patterns of the fabric.

The Kente cloth is usually woven by men mainly in the Kumasi region of Ghana.The cost of Kente depends on the quality of the fabric and the weaving.

There are five common patterns on the Kente cloth:

1. Square

The Kente with square patterns symbolises creation and procreation, and is therefore associated with feminity.

2.Cross

The Kente cloth with cross patterns symbolises the breath of life.

3. Diamond

The Kente with diamond patterns symbolises the duality of a monarch, as a King and as a human.

4. Triangle

The Kente with triangle patterns symbolises the union of masculine and feminine principles to produce a third principle. It represents the life of a man and family.

5. Circle

The Kente with circle patterns represents infinity, no beginning or end… Eternal royalty.

Apart from clothing and wrapping around the body, the Kente fabric is now used for pocket squares, baby blankets, headwraps, jewelry, backpacks, handbags, sandals, sneakers, wedges, flats, cushions, throw pillows, upholstery, crafts, decor, stationery, table runners, quilts, ottomans, hoodies, jackets and the list goes on.