Kente Cloth and African Mahogany Stool

This remarkable stool pairs African mahogany and painted wood with a striking panel of Ewe Kente cloth. Kente is one of Ghana’s most recognizable textile traditions, protected today so that only cloth woven in Ghana is considered authentic. Ewe weavers typically work in a cooperative: each completes their own cloth, while the group collectively assigns projects. It’s a community-centered approach that keeps this storied textile alive. The cloth is woven with cotton, and this particular pattern is called Adzi Nor, translating to "mother of good children."

Artist Chris Martin first encountered Ewe Kente while serving in the Peace Corps in the Volta Region; he sought out the artisans still producing the designs that inspired him, including the one used here.