Artwork Details
Culture
Creation Date
Materials
Object Types
Dimensions
134-3/4 x 91-1/4 in.
Accession Number
Credit Line
J. E. Koffenberger Fund
Copyright
Collection
Color Palette
Provenance
(Craft Caravan, New York, New York); given to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Indiana in 1982.
Gallery Labels
This type of cloth is commonly known as kente and can be found among Akan peoples such as the Asante and Ewe. It is usually expensive and is often associated with high status individuals. Each cloth is made up of thin strips, which are woven separately. The weaving of these strips is generally carried out by men.
There are many patterns, each with its own name. Some designs refer to the event during which the cloth was first worn. Others honor specific people, for example rulers, artists, or queen mothers. Still others refer to specific objects, plants, or animals, or to themes, for example, peace or poverty.
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