Kente Cloth: Meaning, Colours & Symbolism

Kente is arguably Africa's most famous cloth — a dazzling weave of colour and geometry that once dressed Ashanti royalty and now appears at graduations, weddings and celebrations worldwide. Here is what kente is, what it means, and how to choose it.

Woven, not printed

True kente is hand-woven on a narrow loom in long strips, which are then sewn edge to edge into a larger cloth. This makes authentic kente textured, durable and time-consuming to produce — unlike wax prints such as Ankara, which are printed onto plain cotton. You will also find affordable kente print, where the pattern is printed on cotton for everyday wear.

The origins of kente

Kente comes from the Akan peoples of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, most famously the Ashanti. Legend credits two weavers who copied the web of a spider. Historically it was reserved for royalty and special occasions, and specific patterns were owned by kings.

What the colours mean

Colour is central to kente's message:

• Gold — royalty, wealth and high status
• Yellow — fertility and preciousness
• Green — growth, harvest and renewal
• Blue — peace, harmony and love
• Red — political passion and sacrifice
• Black — maturity, and spiritual energy
• White — purity and festive occasions

Patterns with names

Every kente design carries a name and often a proverb. Staircase, diamond and zig-zag motifs are long associated with power, wisdom and heritage. Choosing a kente is choosing a message, not just a colour scheme.

How to wear and buy kente

Kente is perfect for weddings, graduations and celebrations — worn as a wrap, a stole, or tailored into a modern gown. For everyday use, kente-print cotton is easier to sew and care for. Compare it with the wider family in the complete African print guide, and see outfit ideas for styling.

Frequently asked questions

Is kente cloth cotton or silk?

Traditional kente was woven from silk and cotton; today cotton and rayon are common, with premium pieces still using silk.

Can anyone wear kente?

Yes — while some patterns had royal associations, kente is now worn proudly by people everywhere to mark achievement and celebration.

Browse kente and African-print fabrics by the metre.