[Fashion Finds] Five striking traditional African ensembles in ‘Black Panther’

Kente

Chadwick Boseman’s character T’Challa wore the Kente cloth around his neck against an all-black top and bottom; T’Chaka, T’Challa’s father also adorned the cloth in one of the scenes as he converses with his son in the afterlife.

Kente, also referred to as nwentom, means basket in the Akan language. It is a silk and cloth material. The unique look of the material is achieved by wefting designs in every block – also known as weavestripping.   The Kente cloth originates from the Akan group of South Ghana. It is also worn by the many ethnic groups inspired by the cloth and by the Ewe people.

The Ewe’s from Agortime-Kpetoe also claim that Kente which they call Agbamevor has long been their traditional cloth.  Kente represents high value hence why it is worn during special occasions such as coronations, births, and deaths. The unique colors of Kente symbolize their meanings such as black for maturity and deep spiritual energy and gold for wealth, high-status, and glory.