kente
UK[ˈkɛnteɪ]US[ˈkɛnteɪ]
n
A brightly colored, handwoven fabric of Ghana, consisting of strips of cloth sewn together, traditionally worn on special occasions.
n
A garment, such as a stole or scarf, made from this fabric.
Etymology
The word 'kente' is a direct borrowing from the Akan language, specifically from the term 'kenten', meaning 'basket'. This nomenclature reflects the fabric's intricate woven structure, which visually resembles the checkered pattern of a basket weave. Originally, the cloth was woven from raffia fibers before the adoption of silk and cotton. The term entered broader English usage in the mid-20th century as the fabric gained international recognition as a powerful symbol of West African, particularly Ghanaian, cultural heritage and artistry.
Analysis
The word 'kente' is a loanword from the Akan language of Ghana. It is not composed of separable morphemes within the English spelling system. Its functional role is as a single, unanalyzable noun.
Examples
The chief wore a magnificent robe made of traditional kente for the ceremony.
She gifted him a kente stole upon his graduation.
The vibrant patterns and colors of kente cloth each carry specific historical or philosophical meanings.