Brilliant colors and shimmering texture characterize this kente cloth shawl by the Gobah Tengey-Seddoh Family. Hand-loomed of rayon, the design originated in the 17th century, when bright colors came into vogue, and was named to honor the original designer's mother - danye (mother) gbator (first). Each strip requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Strips are generally three to four inches wide and seven to ten feet long, and the length of time it takes to complete one strip varies by the complexity of the chosen pattern. The simplest use mostly vertical, or warp patterns, and an experienced weaver can make several of those in one day. But patterns with nearly all weft (horizontal thread) patterns where the warp design is hardly visible can take up to four days to complete an individual strip. Each color has its own meanings in Asante culture. Green is fertility and new harvest, gold is royalty, black is strength, aging and spirituality, and white is purity. The patterns themselves are carefully chosen symbols, which a master weaver develops and names, often to honor people, historical events, or proverbs. Dry clean only.
