KAJ.008

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

A very special string knot kimono style jacket crafted out of antique Ewe Kente cloth from Ghana on one side, other side is vintage block printed silk -  a method where a designed block is dipped in dye and stamped onto the fabric, creating a pattern. The fabric used here is silk, and the colours predominantly used are shades of red, resulting in a vibrant design.

KENTE CLOTHS

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 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.

Kente is more than just a cloth. It is an iconic visual representation of the history, philosophy, ethics, oral literature, religious belief, social values, and political thought of West Africa. Kente is exported as one of the key symbols of African heritage and pride in African ancestry throughout the diaspora.

•            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.