How to Wear Your Kente Stole
Kente stoles are a traditional African graduation gown accessory that graduates wear as a symbol of their pride in their Black heritage. The kente stole is a hand-woven cloth that comes in various patterns and colors.
Kenten fabric is woven using a horizontal loom that consists of parallel threads that are weaved together to form a narrow band of fabric. Each strip of kente contains a different design, which is arranged on the cloth as an iconographic representation. The kente is a symbol of Ghana and its people and has been associated with the Pan-African Movement and Black Pride consciousness since 1958, when Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of independent Ghana, donned a kente stole to meet with President Eisenhower at the White House.
Originally, the colors used in kente were black, red, green and yellow. These colors symbolized the Pan-African Movement and Black Pride.
Today, kente is still a highly recognizable piece of African textile history. Kente is a hand-woven, patterned cotton cloth with intricate and colorful designs that have been a part of West African culture for hundreds of years.
As a result, it is a powerful visual representation of the how to wear your kente stole history, philosophy, ethics, oral literature, religious beliefs, social values and political thought of West Africa. The kente is also an exportable product that is widely appreciated throughout the diaspora as a key cultural symbol and representation of pride in African ancestry.
In addition to displaying a wealth of African culture, the kente stole is also a symbol of unity. Many African Americans use kente stoles as a way to express their solidarity with other Africans who are struggling for their rights around the world.
A kente stole is worn as a shawl or wrap on the shoulders. It is wrapped around the left side of the body, and a long portion hangs down to the right. The kente stole is usually coordinated with a solid colored blouse.
When you’re wearing your kente stole, the most important thing is to ensure that the kente has an appropriate fit for your neck. To accomplish this, gently pull the kente to create a tighter fit. If you’re not sure how to do this, consult a seamstress to help you find the perfect fit.
Kente is an iconic African fabric that is traditionally woven in West Africa by the Ewe and Akan people of Ghana and Togo. It has a long history of weaving in these regions, dating back to 1000 B.C. Unlike most fabrics, which are made from yarns that come in a single color or pattern, kente is woven as strips. The strips are then sewn together to create a larger piece of fabric.
The kente was originally a staple of royal robes and ceremonial dress in Africa. It was often adorned with animal and other natural symbols, as well as human figures.
Although the traditional motifs for kente are black, red and yellow, kente can be made with a wide range of colors and motifs. This makes kente a very versatile cloth, as it can be used to commemorate any special occasion or to convey a message of hope and strength.