By Mi-Ling Stone Poole

 DEAR MI-LING: Can you give me any suggestions on how to create an African-themed room with original African textiles and accessories? I don’t want the room to feel to over done.

Kim

DEAR KIM: When you merge an exotic theme into your home, you create a totally new and exciting environment. You are only limited by your imagination. It can be both educational and heartwarming to bring your families heritage into your living space.

When planning an African-themed room you should consider adding authentic decorative African art and textiles. You might want to consider adding printed cloth with earth tones. These vibrant colors mimic the rich and colorful heritage of Africa.

Kente is an African textile woven into a cloth that can be used to make throws, wall hangings, pillows, tablecloths, and bed spreads. You can also purchase the textile to re-cover your existing furniture.

Harriet B. Schiffer, PhD and an African art and clothing specialist, said the origins of Kente Cloth lie within the ancient tradition of narrow strip weaving found in the Western Sudan dating back to the 11th century, and further back to the Nile River over 2,000 years ago. Kente, as we know it, dates back to the 17th Century and the Asante people of Ghana in West Africa where richly colored, intricately woven ceremonial cloths were exclusively created to be worn by kings, queen mothers and chiefs. “Kente cloth merges fashion with afro-centric philosophy,” Schiffer told me. There are seven traditional colors used in Kente Cloth.

  • Yellow is  associated with the yoke of an egg and edible fruit. It symbolizes spiritual vitality and fertility.
  • Red is associated with blood.  Red is used as a symbol of heightened spirituality and of sacrifice and struggle.
  • Green is associated with planting and harvesting. It symbolizes growth, vitality,  health and spiritual rejuvenation.
  • Purple is  used in rituals and healing. Purple cloths are mostly worn by women.
  • Maroon has a close resemblance to clay, therefore it is associated with healing.
  • Gold is associated with gold nuggets and therefore is associated with royalty wealth and high status. 
  • Black derives its significance from the notion that new things get darker while they mature.

You can incorporate a unique design and a conversation piece into your home by using Kente cloth.

Now go out and create your own unique comfort zone!