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MAN’S KENTE PRESTIGE ROBE. Asante people, Ghana. This cloth is named “Mmaaban”, meaning “unity” because it has multiple warp stripe patterns. The dominant warp design is Oyokoman, consisting of red, green and gold stripes in several variant forms. Oyokoman refers to the Oyoko clan from which Asante Kings (Asantehene) were chosen. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the independent Asante clans joined forces in wars against British efforts to gain control over the Gold Coast. The powerful Oyoko clan was chosen to lead this confederation and it’s leaders became hereditary Asantehene in subsequent generations. Other warp stripe patterns represented are Kyemee, named for the powerful Asante Chief Kyime, and Mmeeeda, meaning “something extraordinary”. This hand woven, hand sewn cloth was collected in Bonwire, Ghana, the center of the Asante kente weaving tradition. The weaver is said to have been Nana Kwabena Boateng and it is estimated to date from around 1930. Silk and cotton. 22 strips. 128in x 73in.