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Bonwire
is the epicenter of Asante kente weaving, and produces kente
that is sold throughout the world. It is also the town where
kente supposedly originated.The strips of kente cloth are
beautiful and any Asante person can tell you about the meanings
of the different designs and colors. While the Asante kingdom
did not have a written language, the patterns and colors of
kente worn by leaders sent subtle messages to their citizens.
Sometimes these designed symbolized a proverb, at other times
a season or historical event, but few are without significance.Shops
are arranged around a square, and the sellers from each will
follow you about entreating you to visit their shop. The weavers,
as well as the owners of the shops are almost exclusively
male, so if you are a woman, particularly a woman travelling
alone, be prepared for the requisite marriage proposals (or
sexual propositions from the more bold). Each shop is lined
on all sides with strips of beautiful kente, all of which
is woven on traditional looms here in the village. Single,
double, and triple woven cloths fetch different prices, as
do cloths made with more expensive threads, particularly silk.Intense
bargaining is expected here, and paying more than 35,000 cedis
for a strip of kente means you're getting a bad deal. Many
of the shops also sell antique kente wraps, which are exquisite,
and quite delicate. Expect to pay at least 250,000 for these
(the exchange rate being about 8,000 to the dollar). While
the antique cloths are beautiful it's important to be aware
that they are part of this village's history and once they
are purchased the people who live here have lost something
that tells a lot about who they are and where they come
from. Thus I prefer to buy the newer, equally striking cloth.
Around
the town you can also see the long looms where the kente is
woven, and unless it's a holy day it's likely some people
will be weaving. Aside from buying kente and poking about
town, there's not a whole lot to see here. The atmosphere
is far from relaxing, thanks to the area's commercial nature.
There are plenty more Asante towns you can visit without being
hounded by residents, so I would go to Bonwire strictly to
buy and view kente |
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