|
Different Kente type (part 2)
|
|
Emaa Da
Emaa Da means, "it has not happened before"
or "it has no precedence." According to Nana Kwasi
Afranie of Bonwire, the Asantehene's chief weaver, the cloth
was designed and so named by one of the Asante Kings who
was so awed by the uniqueness of the pattern that he remarked
"Eyi de emmaa da" meaning, "this one has
no precedence." The cloth was therefore reserved for
the exclusive use of the King, but its use was later extended
to people of high ranks. It is a symbol of creative ingenuity,
innovation, uniqueness, perfection and exceptional achievement.
|
|
Toku Kra Toma
Precisely "Toku's soul cloth". The cloth is
designed and named to commemorate the soul of a warrior
Queen mother named Toku, who though was defeated and executed
in a battle with Nana Opoku Ware I, the King of the Asante
kingdom (1731-1742), was viewed as a courageous woman. It
commemorates the historic event and honors the soul of the
Queen mother for her bravery. In the past, such a cloth
would only be worn by the royalty and people of high rank
during very sacred ceremonies in which the spirits of the
ancestors are venerated. The cloth signifies courageous
leadership, heroic deeds, self-sacrifice, spiritual vitality
and rebirth.
|
|
Wofro Dua Pa A Na Yepia Wo
"One who climbs a tree worth climbing gets the
help deserved." The cloth was designed to express the
Akan social thought which maintains that any good individual
effort deserves to be supported by the community. When one
climbs a good tree that has fruits on it, people around
will give him a push, since they know they will enjoy the
fruits of his labour. It is a notion that reinforces the
importance of aspiring towards a worthy course. Symbolizes
aspiration, hope, mutual benefits, sharing and noble deeds.
|
|
Kyeretwie
"The leopard catcher." The cloth was designed
to commemorate an incident during the reign of King Kwaku
Dua (1838 -1867) who tested the courage of his warriors
by ordering them to catch a leopard alive. The appellation,
"Kyerekwie" was since appended to the names of
some of the Asante Kings whose bravery and leadership qualities
were comparable to the courage needed to catch a leopard
alive. The black vertical warp stripes represent the black
sports in a leopard's fur. In the past, the cloth was worn
only by the Asantehene or by other chiefs with his permission.
The Kyeretwie cloth is a representation of courage, valor,
exceptional achievement and inspiring leadership.
|
|
Akyempem
Literally means "thousands shields." This
is a reference to shields used by highly well organized
militia consisting of thousands of men and women who defended
the Asante Kingdom against external aggression. According
to the military strategy of the Asante Kingdom, the chief
of the shield bearers, the Akyempemhene, and the rear guards
of the King are his own sons. Shields once used as military
weapons are now used in royal ceremonies to symbolize and
commemorate the military prowess of the Asante Kingdom.
The cloth symbolizes military prowess, unity through military
strength, bravery, political vigilance and spiritual defensiveness.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
