78-3/4 x 43 in.
Gift of the Alliance of the Indianapolis Museum of Art
(Grove Gallery, New York) {1}; IMA (June 21, 1984). {1} through Eric Robertson
Colorful strip-woven kente cloths are the most recognizable of all African textiles. The complex weaving technique produces patterns that have distinct names and symbolic significance.
The choice of wearing a specific pattern was up to the • individual. Commissioned marriage kentes often had motifs symbolizing life-affirming messages such as "extended family is strong."
The pattern on this kente, known as Aberewa Ben, was named for a spiritually strong woman of the Asensie clan.
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