Kente exhibition ‘El Lenguaje de las Telas’ held in Madrid

The Embassy of Ghana in Madrid, in collaboration with La Galleria de Mamah Africa and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of the Kingdom of Spain is holding a three-month long exhibition on cultural fabrics from West Africa at the Museo Nacional de Antropologia (National Museum of Anthropology) from 16th February to 20th May 2018, as part of Ghana´s 61st Independence Anniversary celebrations in Spain.

Prominently on display at the Museum are a collection of beautifully woven Kente cloths and exotic Adinkra and Batik prints from Ghana.

Under the theme, "El Lenguaje de las Telas" meaning "The Language of Fabrics", the exhibition was launched amidst afro-cultural musical performances and a fashion show.

Addressing invited guests at the opening, Ghana’s Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Elizabeth Adjei, recounted the genesis of the exhibition with La Galleria de Mamah Africa, whose Directors, Maica de la Carrera and Laura de la Carrera Fernandez, believed in and projected African renaissance.

Discussions with the duo eventually culminated into a partnership with the Embassy and the support of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of Spain to mount the first exhibition of rich cultural fabrics from Ghana, Mali and Cote d´Ivoire.

Shedding light on the history and uses of the rich cultural fabrics, the Ambassador underscored the fact that both Kente and Adinkra fabrics have over the years become versatile and are currently used for several items, including neckties, scarfs, backpacks and wallets.



Additionally, the Adinkra symbols and Kente designs have inspired beautiful African prints that are being used for the creation of lovely or elegant clothes for special occasions or casual outfits.

The Director of the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Fernando Sáez Lara, in his remarks expressed delight at the opportunity for the Museum to host such an exciting exhibition, being the first ever in Spain. The exhibition, he noted, would forge closer relations between Africans and the Spanish and further promote awareness about Africa among the Spanish.

The Representative of the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, Miguel González Suela observed that cultural events, such as the exhibition, provided the much-needed framework for interaction among people of various cultures.

In spite of the proximity between Spain and Africa, he noted that people to people interaction between the Spanish and Africans was rather limited for various reasons. He called for closer cooperation between Ghana and Spain, and their respective peoples.



On behalf of La Galeria, Laura de la Carrera Fernandez shared with guests the work of the gallery which is mainly engaged in the promotion of African culture. She recalled with delight their travels to Africa, noting that the wealth of knowledge garnered over the years underlies their desire to promote awareness about African culture in Spain.

Pertinent to the holding of the exhibition, was their memorable technical visit to Ghana, specifically to the Kente weaving and Adinkra-making cities and towns, i.e., Kumasi, Bonwire and Adanwomase by the Galeria officials in September, 2017, to learn at first-hand the various processes of Kente-weaving and making of Adinkra cloths and batiks.

The remarks were followed by a colourful and lively Fashion Show that displayed elegant designs made from the cultural fabrics of West Africa. A choral group performance of songs with African rhythm topped the exciting evening.