1. Weaving
Spring 2019

2. OBJECTIVE
1st—Create a small paper-weaved basket to experience weaving techniques.
2nd—Create a small bookmark to learn and master loom weaving techniques.
FINALLY—Create a Kente cloth-inspired bag using at least 2 weaving techniques and at least 2 colors.
The bag will include Kente Cloth symbols and patterns.

3. KENTE CLOTH?
Kente (known as “nwentom” in Akan language) is a type of silk and cotton fabric that is interwoven into patterns and symbols that have special meanings.
Almost every tribe in Ghana wears Kente.
Kente comes from the word “kenten” which means basket (weaving).

4. HISTORY Akan-Ashanti kingdoms were the first to sport Kente Cloth.
The patterns and colors symbolize concepts, such as democratic rule, creativity, knowledge from experience, and sharing.

5. KENTE TODAY
Kente Stoles are often worn by African American college graduates as a symbol of pride for their ethnicity.
“Donning of the Kente” ceremonies are held to present the graduates with their stoles.

6. Color Meanings Black: maturation, intensified spiritual energy
Blue: peacefulness, harmony and love
Green: vegetation, planting, harvesting, growth, spiritual renewal
Gold: royalty, wealth, high status, glory, spiritual purity
Grey: healing and cleansing rituals; associated with ash
Maroon: the color of mother earth; associated with healing
Pink: assoc. with the female essence of life; a mild, gentle aspect of red
Purple: assoc. with feminine aspects of life; usually worn by women
Red: political and spiritual moods; bloodshed; death.
Silver: serenity, purity, joy; associated with the moon
White: purification, sanctification rites and festive occasions
Yellow: preciousness, royalty, wealth, fertility, beauty

7. STEPS Wrap yarn around grooves to create WARP.
Begin weaving from side to side, alternating which warp you go through… this is called WEFT.
To create patterns, only weave through some warp on one side, then go from the other side with another color.

8. EXAMPLES

11. CHECKLIST Vocab DUE: Tuesday 2-26-19 Sketches DUE: Tuesday 2-26-19
Basket DUE: Friday
Bookmark DUE: Wednesday
Bag DUE: Friday