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).