How to Wear Kente-gctid40279

[Ɔbenfo Ọbádélé]

			There is an art to wearing kente. To wear kente properly, it must be  worn so that the woven patterned strips are straight horizontally and  vertically. In addition, the bottom edge of the cloth should be even all  the way around.       Men's cloth typically consists of 20 to 27 strips; women's, 12 to 15 strips.

[Ɔbenfo Ọbádélé]

Men's kente     Kyere w'anantu : Show your legs The man who selects this style of wrapping is demonstrating his prowess,  physique and ability to wear the cloth artistically. This style is worn  just above the knees. Drawing more of the cloth up around your  shoulders, wrap the cloth as outlined in steps 1 through 4.       Click on the highlighted words to hear their pronunciation

[Ɔbenfo Ọbádélé]

Men's kente     Okatakyie: Brave man Chiefs usually wear this style. Drawing more of the cloth up around your  shoulder so that the cloth is above your knees, wrap the cloth as  outlined in steps 1 through 4. Instead of laying the material over your  left shoulder, rest the cloth on your left arm. This creates a  voluminous and very flamboyant look.      Click on the highlighted words to hear their pronunciation

[Ɔbenfo Ọbádélé]

			Women's kente    These steps illustrate a traditional way of wrapping for women. Women's  kente  can also be worn wrapped underneath your arms, leaving your  shoulders bare; as a skirt over which a long blouse is worn; or as a  wrap around your neck.     Contemporary kente fashion includes tailored skirts and blouses, suits, and dresses.

[Ɔbenfo Ọbádélé]

Historically, kente was the cloth of kings. The king (asantehene)  controlled the use and production of kente--whether for his household,  officials or political allies. Over time, the use of kente became more  widespread. Unlike the royal family, however, an individual who owns  kente today most likely owns one cloth that is worn on multiple  occasions.     Kente is compaAmwle to an evening gown or tuxedo in Western cultures.  When kente is proudly worn or used on ceremonial occasions, it brings  honor and prestige to the proceedings.