Ghana Ashanti Kente Weaving - ethical, responsible, community based tours
Kente is the traditional cloth of the Asanti and other peoples in West Africa, woven in narrow strips in a variety of designs each with symbolic meaning.
Kente cloth is a prestigious garment worn for ceremonial occasions, by chiefs, Kings, and heads of state.
According to tradition, Bonwire was one of the five Kente centres founded by exiles from Denkyira, who settled around Kumasi after their people were conquered by the Ashanti in the late 17th century. Another legend is that the people of Bonwire learnt to weave by watching a spider weave its web. Narrow strip cloth found elsewhere in West Africa has been dated to the 11th century.
As they were very skilful weavers they were forbidden to sell cloth to anyone without the king's permission.
Dates are Saturday to Saturday: Feb 7-21, Mar 7-21, Apr 11-25, May 9-23, Jun 13-27, Jul 11-25, Aug 8-22, Sept 12-26, Oct 10-24, Nov 14-28, Dec 12-26. Seven, ten day tours start first Saturday.
Email john@fiema.com to find out more about the Ashanti Arts and Crafts Tours.
Or call me on 01488 686 222
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Brass casting in the village of Kurofofrom