KAJ.047

This one-of-a-kind garment is reversible and unique from each side. 

This amazing  kimono style jacket crafted out of vintage Ewe Kente cloth from Ghana, combined with handwoven cotton by Salasaca people of Guatemala on one side and  vintage hand block printed silk from Rajasthan.

Originally, the use of Kente was reserved for Asante royalty and limited to special social and sacred functions. Even as production has increased and kente has become more accessible to those outside the royal court, it continues to be associated with wealth, high social status, and cultural sophistication. Kente is also found in Asante shrines to the deities, or abosom, as a mark of their spiritual power. Kente Cloth is a traditionally made by two tribes   - Asante and Ewe.

Asante  Kente is often made using silk, that is not native to Ghana, while Ewe is traditionally made out of cotton.

Ewe strip weavers are acknowledged to be some of the most skilful in West Africa. Each cloth is made of 16-24 strips, cut to size then sewn, selvedge to selvedge, with warp-faced blocks alternating with weft-faced blocks in each strip. Both weaving and sewing a done by men. Each cloth has a proverbial meaning.

Patterns each have a name, as does each cloth in its entirety. Names are sometimes given by weavers who obtain them through dreams or during contemplative moments when they are said to be in communion with the spiritual world. 

Keynote from Kārātoyaa:
• Please note, that due to antique nature of the fabrics there may be signs of past experiences - we believe it adds value and a meaning to the garments.
• Some naturally dyed fabrics even after lasting generations may leave colour
• Please keep in mind that all Karatoyaa pieces are Dry Clean only with the Professional service provider.