Bonwire is located 18km on the Kumasi-Mampong Road, Bonwire is popular for Kente weaving.Kente is a colourful Ghanaian traditional fabric which is worn mostly on important occasions and celebrations. Historically, the origin of kente weaving could be traced to the traditions of the ancient West African kingdoms between 300 A.D and 1600 A.D. Some historians are of the view that Kente is a development of various weaving traditions that existed around the 17th century.
Kente, now Ghana’s national cloth is one indigenous handicraft that has won world wide recognition. There are many types of Kente each with its own symbolism and name, which tells the history, culture and social practice of the weavers of the cloth. As declared a national cloth on the attainment of independence on 6th march 1957, Kente is used for different purposes and at different functions.
It is important to note that Kente is used not only for its beauty but also for its representational imperative. The weaver derive names and meaning from moral values, oral literature, philosophical concepts, human behavior, individual achievements, animal life, proverbs and social code of conduct.
The aesthetic beauty of a kente cloth is affected by the colour symbolism. Colours are chosen for both their symbolic effect and visual effect. A weaver’s choice of a colour may also be influenced by his tradition or a matter of preference. A variety of hand woven Kente fabrics are obtained in many of their local shops at Bonwire. Kente is woven on ancient hand looms. They operate the loom with their hands and feet. The needle, which tread the wrap are placed between the toes.
