All through the centuries, clothing continues to be a form of social expression. It constitutes an in-depth way of expressing one`s self-identity, origin and social status. Thus, in most places of the world, particular groups, tribes, and societies, can be identified by a certain type of attire which normally explains parts of their history, epitomizes their beliefs and even represents what they stand for. Over time, certain clothes have attained a national or even continental status and appeal which makes them not only identifiable with a group of people, but with a whole nation and continent! Two forms of clothing that have thus transcended the threshold of group and class identification, unto a larger, more national and continental platform, are the Kente cloth of Africa, and the Qipao of Asia.
AS THE ASIANS MAY ASK,
What is Kente cloth?
Kente cloth, known as nwentoma (woven cloth), in Akan
is a type of silk and cotton fabric made of interwoven cloth strips and is
native to the Akan ethnic group of South
How did the Kente cloth come about?
Legend has it that kente was first made
by two Akan friends who went hunting in an Asante forest and found a spider
making its web.The two friends stood and watched the spider for
two days then returned home and implemented what they had seen.
What does the Kente cloth look like?
As the icon
of African cultural heritage around the world, Akan kente is identified by its
dazzling, multicolored patterns of bright colors, geometric shapes, and bold
designs. The Akan people choose these
kente cloths as much for their names as their colors and patterns. They
are also identified primarily by the patterns found in the lengthwise (warp)
threads. For instance, Kente characterized by weft designs woven into every
available block of plain weave is called adweneasa. However, there is
often little correlation between appearance and name. That is, names are
derived from several sources, including proverbs, historical events, important
chiefs, queen mothers, and plants.
When
is a Kente cloth worn?
The Kente
as an Akan royal and sacred cloth
was worn only in times of extreme importance and was the cloth of kings. Over
time, the use of kente became more widespread. However, its importance has
remained and is held in high esteem by Akans and Africans as a whole.
It can be worn on any festive occasion, marriage ceremonies, both
national and traditional festivals, international conferences and programs and
many more.
AS THE
AFRICANS MAY ASK:
What is a
Qipao?
The qípáo ((旗袍) pronounced "cheepaaw" in mandarin Chinese), and known in English as a mandarin gown is a body-hugging one-piece Chinese dress for women. It may also be known as the cheongsam.
cheongsam
or qípáo that is most often associated with today`s Asian woman was created in the 1920s in Shanghai and was made fashionable by high social status personalities and upper class women. The male version is the changshan. They have been worn since the Manchu ruled China in the 17th century.
How did the Qipao come about?
During Manchu rule, Nurhachi (努爾哈赤)
, a chieftan, established the Banner System, a structure for organizing
all Manchu families into administrative divisions. The traditional dress that
Manchu women wore became known as the qipao (旗袍,
banner gown).
What
does the Qipao look like? 
The original qipao was wide and
It covered all of a woman’s body except
for her head, hands, and toes. The qipao was traditionally made of silk and
featured intricate embroidery.
The qipao worn today are modeled after
ones made in Shanghai in the 1920s.
The modern qipao is a one-piece,
formfitting, floor length dress that has a high slit on one or both sides.
Modern variations may have bell sleeves or be sleeveless and are made out of a
variety of fabrics.
When
is a Qipao worn?
AfriqAsia Merge
.....Bridging the gap
....Embracing the difference.
