Ashanti Nwentoma or Kente Ceremonial Cloth

Bright blue and white cloth with a checkered center band in gold and stripes.

This nwentoma or Kente ceremonial cloth is Ashanti, from Ghana, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Traditionally, kente was woven as thin strips stitched together into a toga-like garment, worn only by chiefs at festivals, on special occasions and during ritual ceremonies. Rectangular cloth woven in strong cobalt blue and white, with narrow triangular motifs across the outer sections and a central panel of blue squares crossed by yellow, orange and white stripes. The weave looks crisp and unworn. It is 43 inches wide and 62 long.

Cheerful, crisp, and dressed for a very good party.