Wondering which Chief in Ghana may have the largest collection of Agbamevor (Kete/Kente Cloth)? The Konor of Agotime, Nene Nuer Keteku III is believed to be the Chief with the largest collection or array of Agbamevor (Kete/Kente Cloth) in Ghana. Here is why!
He is traditionally, the Custodian of every design ever conceived in Agotime. Every Master Weaver first submits their designs, names, and meanings of any new Agbamevor (Kete/Kente Cloth) to the Konor. It is only then, can such designs or pattern be replicated elsewhere or used within the Kingdom. The Konor is the spiritual quality controller and granter of patents within the Kingdom. The downside?
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Whenever a submitted cloth is selected as part of the royal regalia of the King, the selected cloth no longer can be reproduced without his express permission or approval. Infact, such Cloths can only be reproduced at his request and non-compliance is a taboo! The Master Weaver is more prone to losing his/her mastery or suffer a permanent memory loss or amnesia. According to available records, there are over 400 (four hundred) pieces of such unique heirloom designs with pattern, motives and figurative expressions sanctioned for the exclusive use of the Konor and therefore unique only to the Agotime State. These designs which have been collected from generational Master Weavers are considered the link between past and present generation of Weavers and guarantees the continuous flow of creativity and skill in the art of Agbemavor (Kete/Kente) weaving within the Kingdom.
The Konor of Agotime has over 650 (Six Hundred and Fifty) pieces of Customary and Traditional Agbamevor (Kete/Kente). He is forbidden by tradition to repeat the same piece of Agbamevor for any public event. He can only repeat a piece of Agbamevor (Kete/Kente) Cloth ever previously worn by his predecessor for specific traditional or customary events. Without that, no.
UNESCO has since recognized him as the Custodian of the Ewe Kente.
By Elvis Ativoe