Ewe Kente motifs: a sampling, by Gilbert "Bobbo" Ahiagble

Courtesy of Gilbert "Bobbo" Ahiagble, an Ewe master Kente weaver. This is a small sampling of the motifs that he weaves, as supplementary floats, into his cloths. Included are some of the Ewe names and significance of these symbols.

click on any of the motifs

 

Torn fishnet
the torn net still catches fish

Fish net
signifies togetherness

Adodo
the Adodo is a musical instrument, made of iron, which is used on religious occasions

Gravel
Construction in progress

Stars

Four eyes of God

Onion skin
The leaves (or skin) of the onion, are sweet smelling, lovely, romantic

Trogbo
The ball is in your court

Ator-tor
Pineapple skin. The pineapple is sometimes given as a gift to a friend. It is not easy to peel -- like a friendship it requires work

Sieve
signifies cleanliness

Edza
A group of stars

Kotui-Kotui
The mother of all designs

Lofodui, with stars
Crocodile stomach. Don't judge people by their appearance - the crocodile is ugly but very useful/helpful!

Hotsui
A cowry shell. Formerly used as money, signifies riches and luck.

Ako
The parrot is a symbol of nature's power to rejuvenate. If you envy its red feathers and pull them out, they will soon grow back.

Bicycle peddle
A symbol of progress

Ayida
The comb, a symbol of beauty

Dzoya
A very large umbrella made of colorful fabrics used by chiefs at important events

Ator-tor
Pineapple skin. The pineapple is sometimes given as a gift to a friend. It is not easy to peel -- like a friendship it requires work.

Agama
The chameleon signifies patience and trickery

Kpakpaluwi
The butterfly, a symbol of hard work and punctuality

Zodzi
A bird seen in flocks at the beginning of the farming season; their presence is welcomed by farmers and children alike.

4 Hotsui
Cowry shells. Formerly used as money, signifies riches and luck.

The stool
signifies royalty or riches

Ako
The parrot is a symbol of nature's power to rejuvenate. If you envy its red feathers and pull them out, they will soon grow back.

The hand
signifies peace

Key
signifies fruitfulness

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