The Kente stole is a traditional African heritage piece that is worn by graduates at graduation ceremonies. It is a symbol that symbolizes academic achievement and pride in African heritage. The tradition of wearing a kente stole dates back thousands of years and is rooted in the culture of West Africa.
Kente cloth is woven from cotton and silk threads, making it lightweight and easy to wear. The fabric is made with a tight weave and vibrant colors that have been carefully executed with wearing a kente stole precision, pristine finishing. It’s an ideal addition to your graduation outfit and will look great on top of your gown or cap.
Historically, kente cloth has been associated with the Ashanti people and their empire. It has been spun and woven for centuries by master craftsmen in Ghana, Africa. It has been used in royal rites and for clothing. It’s a rich and vibrant cloth with a deep connection to the history of the Ashanti people, who have been residing in what is now Ghana since the seventeenth century.
This shawl-like, colorful cloth is handwoven by artisans in the Ashanti capital of Kumasi and has been worn as a symbol of pride, dignity and identity for hundreds of years. The kente cloth is known for its bold color and motifs, which are as diverse as the weavers who produce them.
Black, red and yellow motifs are common in kente cloth designs. These are symbolic colors for the Pan-African Movement and Black Pride consciousness, as well as a reminder of the blood of those who fought for their freedom.
The kente fabric is also made of silk and cotton, which gives the garment an exceptionally soft texture. It can be draped over the shoulders or folded and worn as a shawl. Its colors are derived from the traditional four-color palette of the Pan-African movement and Black Pride: black, red, green and yellow.
In the United States, Kente cloth first gained popularity as a symbol for African-Americans in 1958 when Kwame Nkrumah, the first prime minister of independent Ghana, met with President Eisenhower in Kente cloth. It was then used as a political statement during the Civil Rights and African Decolonization Movements.
Today, the kente cloth is still woven by master weavers in Ghana, as well as by recent Ghanaian/Togolese immigrants to the United States. It’s an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and supports the local economy.
During commencement, the kente stole is draped over participating students’ robes, giving them a sense of pride and identity as they walk across the stage and receive their degrees. This ceremony is typically followed by a reception for participants and their families.
The kente stole is an important part of the culture of West Africa and has been adopted by colleges and universities around the world. Its unique history, color and pattern are the perfect symbol for graduates to display on their big day. It’s important to find a stole that matches your personal style and holds a special meaning for you.