Ewe Kente warps: a sampling, by Gilbert "Bobbo" Ahiagble
Kente cloths generally take their name from the pattern of the warp, the vertical threads in a strip. Here is a small sampling of the patterns Gilbert "Bobbo" Ahiagble, an Ewe master Kente weaver, uses in laying out the warps for his cloths. Included are some of the Ewe names and significance of these patterns.
click on any of the strip patterns
Agomani
Give me a break
Tagbatsutsu-Naku
The eyes of the housefly. This is a very old pattern.
Lokpo
Bird feathers
Gale Nyako
A wealthy village
Mind your own business
Worgagba
Corn power (the warp is actually not visible on this cloth, as it is covered entirely by a supplementary weft)
Ehianega
Only money can solve problems
Dzingye
I feel challenged
Pazi
The eggs of freshwater fish
Haliwoe
Cornmeal used to make a local soft drink somewhat similar to Coca Cola
Fiadekemefao
Things are not going to be easy
Babadu
The wood dust left after the passage of termites
Agokpor
It's a beautiful fence. The fence symbolizes protection.
Matsimata
I'm going to keep it for myself
Matsimata
I'm going to keep it for myself
Edodzivor
Crutial moment
Matsimata
I'm going to keep it for myself
Menyo
I'm doing OK
Toku
Big animal is dead
This is a pattern Bobbo designed (but didn't name it...)
Xexemeletor
The world has three faces. This could be happiness / sadness / ok or day / night / nature. The day is all right but at night you may have problems.
Fiorva
Followers of a chief
Edagbo
The worldly (or rich) people have arrived (or made it).
