Etymology Map
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Kente

2 stages from Akan (Twi) to English.

Today it means a brightly colored, hand-woven Ghanaian ceremonial cloth with geometric patterns

Where does the word "kente" come from? It comes from Akan (Twi) kɛntɛn, adopted directly into English (1950s-1960s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
kɛntɛn
Akan (Twi) · 1600s
"basket"
meant "basket"; applied to the cloth because its woven pattern resembled basket-weave
2
Stage 2 of 2
kente
English · 1950s-1960s
"brightly colored, hand-woven ceremonial cloth"
entered English as Ghana neared independence and the cloth became an international symbol of African heritage
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