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Different Kente type (part 1)
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Adwinasa
Means "all motifs are used up" The elders say, the designer
of this cloth, attempted to weave a unique cloth to please
the Asantehene. In his effort he used all the motifs then
known to weavers in weaving one cloth. In the end he realised
that he had exhausted all the repertoire of motifs known
to Asante weavers. The cloth was, therefore viewed as one
of top quality, and the most prestigious of kente cloths.
Besides those woven exclusively for Asante Kings, it was
in the past worn by kings and people of high status and
wealth. Adwinasa kente symbolizes royalty, elegance, creative
ingenuity, excellence, wealth, perfection and superior craftsmanship.
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Obaakofo Mmu Man
This means, "One person does not rule a nation." It manifest's
the Akan system of governance based on participatory democracy.
The nine squares represent Mpuankron (nine tufts of hair)
a ceremonial hair cut of some royal functionaries who help
rulers make decisions. Originally the cloth was named Fathia
Fata Nkrumah. "Fathia is a suitable wife for Nkrumah." After
the military overthrow of Nkrumah, the original significance
of Mpuankron (participatory democracy) was applied to reflect
the prevailing political atmosphere. Obaakofo Mmu Man kente
signifies participatory democracy and warning against autocratic
rule.
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Sika Futoro
Literally means "gold dust." Before the use of coins and
paper as money, gold dust, was used as a medium of exchange
among the Akan people and was therefore considered as a
symbol of wealth and prosperity. The predominant use of
intricately textured patterns in yellow, orange and red
replicate the visual characteristics of gold dust. The Sika
Futoro cloth symbolizes wealth, royalty, elegance, spiritual
purity and honorable achievement.
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Nyankonton
"God's eye brow (the rainbow)." It was created in exaltation
of the beauty and mystery of the rainbow phenomenon. The
arrangement of warp threads mimics the visual characteristics
of the rainbow. This cloth symbolizes divine beauty, gracefulness,
divine creativity, uniqueness and good omen.
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Abusua Ye Dom
Means, "The extended family is a force." Within
the Akan people, the extended family is the foundation of
their society. Like a military force, members of the family
are collectively responsible for the material and spiritual
well being, the physical protection and the social security
of all its members. The cloth was designed to celebrate
and reinforce such positive attributes of the extended family
system. In its many variations and background colors the
Abusua Ye Dom cloth represents a strong family bond, the
value of family unity, collective work, responsibility and
co-operation.
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