two Asante hunters noticed a spider spinning a web. They
were fascinated by its skill and marveled at how the spider
turned ordinary lines into intricate patterns. Little did the
spider know that it has such devoted students or that they
were trying their best to duplicate its technique. Days
later, the hunters returned to their village and shared the
fruits of their efforts with the chief, who felt their
discovery was worthy of the king's attention. Osei TuTu,
the Asantehene or king of the Asante, was elated when he
saw the woven strips and commissioned the men to weave
this colorful silk cloth solely for his royal court. This regal
fabric is known as Kente cloth, and today it is one of the
most popular textiles woven on the continent of Africa.
It is common in almost every village in Africa, that caters
to commercial interest, to find Textiles displayed along a
roadside as pictured above in Kenya.
In one form or another, weaving has played an extremely
important role in the development of human history. From
the earliest times, hair from the skin of hunted and
domestic animals was woven to insulate and protect
homes. Along with fibers from various plants and trees, it
provided the means to create such necessities as bedding,
clothing, wall and door hangings, and blankets.
We have gather for you a variety of the kind of fabrics still
been produced in Africa. We hope you enjoy this
experience.
