Drawing by Jo Moore

Weaving kente

Strip cloth in West Africa is woven primarily by men. As the weaver arranges his materials, chooses his colors and sets up his loom, he has in his mind an image of the finished cloth and patterns he will use. He considers how the pattern will look when worn, how it will flow in motion and how it will flatter the wearer. The weaver may imprint his own style by adding variety or contrast to a traditional pattern. In this way the weaver honors tradition, yet creates a unique cloth.

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