Kente is no ordinary cloth and is easily recognisable worldwide. Original kente is a status symbol of wealth and identity as it is a luxurious and expensive fabric.
Hidden Meanings
The kente cloth designs are powerful cultural symbols that represent history and philosophy. Each design has a specific name and significant meaning that reflects cultural values of Ghanaians as well as historical events. You can tell the symbolic meanings from the different designs and colours used.
Examples of meanings behind the designs:
1) Fatima Nkrumah
Kwame Nkrumah was the first President of Ghana after independence from Britain in 1957. The First Lady, Fatima Nkrumah, was Egyptian and he married her for unity. This design was named after her and symbolises the avoidance of racism and discrimination.
2) Zig-zag
Life is not a smooth journey; there may be many obstacles in the way.
3) Mako Maso Adeae (my heart’s desire)
Conveys the non-verbal message of ‘I love you’ to a lady by leaving it at her front door.
Other designs convey meanings of good health, wealth, strength etc.
Examples of meanings behind the colours:
Yellow – royalty, wealth, beauty
Green – fertility, vegetation, forest, new harvest
Red – blood of ancestors, political, death
Blue – peace, harmony, love
Pink – love, happiness
Orange – wealth, joy
Gold – royalty, wealth, high status
Silver – joy, purity
Black – heritage, strength, spirituality
White – purity, festive
Grey – healing
