Popular Kente designs and their meanings

DONO WA

Symbolic Reference: A traditional armpit drum. A type of talking drum with strings connecting both ends.

NTATA

Symbolic Reference: Named after a two-edged sword.

NKYIMKYIM

Symbolic Reference: Literally translates as Zigzag. Meaning life is not a straight path.

OHENE ANEWA

Symbolic Reference: The Kings eye. Meaning the king sees everything. Nothing escapes the king, the king sees all.

DAMEDAME (CHEQUERED)

Symbolic Reference: This symbol represents intelligence, ingenuity and strategy. A symbolic reference to a traditional Ghanaian game.

AFA

Symbolic Reference: Literally translates as I have taken it. This name derives from a blacksmiths bellows. A symbolic expression of a fork without a center teeth, a device for melting gold or iron.

KWADUM ASA

Symbolic Reference: Gun power container. An Empty gun powder keg. From the days of colonial rule when gun powder was introduced to Ghana.

FATENE

Symbolic Reference: This pattern is derived from the ‘Fa Hia Kotwere Agyeman’ design, meaning lean on [king] Agyeman, Prempeh II.

APREMUO OR APREMOO

Symbolic Reference: Literally translates as lightning or thunder.

TROM NWOMA

Symbolic Reference: Draughts , a type of smooth weave

BABADUA

Symbolic Reference: This pattern is considered to be the 1st Kente design. Acknowledged to be among sacred trees in the Ashanti forest, this design takes its name from a segmented bamboo-like cane.

FA HIA KOTWERE AGYEMAN (LEAN ON AGYEMAN)

Symbolic Reference: Meaning to lean on Agyeman. This symbol literally means to seek help from [king] Agyeman, because Agyeman (Prempeh II, 1935 - 1970) would help solve your problems. Symbolizes hope, faith, sharing and benevolence.

NKYEMFRE NHYEHYEHOO

Symbolic Reference: Translates as a broken pot pieced together. A reference to one who can solve or handle difficult situations More recently known as Nkrumah’s Pencil.

ACHIMOTA NSAFOA

Symbolic Reference: Literally translates as Achimota keys.

NTABON

Symbolic Reference: The name Ntabon refers to a weaving sword

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