No bag collection is complete without a mini backpack. The Nhava backpack is not too big or too small which makes it a perfect accessory for a casual day out. Featuring a monochrome woven pattern inspired by the classic Kente look, this backpack is not only practical but stylish too! In traditional Kente weaving, black is the most significant colour in Kente cloth and is used to represent heritage, strength, spirituality. White is used to represent purity. The two colours come together beautifully on this backpack to convey a deep meaning – strong heritage and spiritual purity. Talk about a mini bag with a big character!
Designed features:
- Main compartment – 10 litre capacity
- Durable woven cotton and polyester fabric
- Dimensions: 23cm (h) x 23cm (w) x 12cm(d)
- Generous size front zip compartment
- Large lined main compartment
- Pull drawstring for secure fastening
- Top handle and adjustable straps for a classic touch.
Interesting facts
The word ‘nhava’ is derived from the Shona language and it means – small woven carrying bag. In ancient Africa a ‘nhava’ was specifically used as a hunter’s bag, which provided convenient carrying space for food and essentials and was often intricately woven and decorated as a symbol of a hunter’s prestige and tactical trade. The ‘nhavas’ were made from plant fibres, often tree bark which was soaked to soften the fibre for weaving and coloured using natural plant-based dyes. Step aside vegan leather!
Design Inspiration
This stunning bag made it onto the Gavastie Collection because it gives out serious monochrome Kente vibes!
In Asante, Kente cloth is known as nwentoma or “woven cloth”. The actual name kente comes from the word kenten which means “basket” since, originally, the cloth was constructed with fibre from palm fronds. Strips are woven on a strap loom as seen below:
Image courtesy of: Touring Ghana
The arrangement of pattern and colour is key and is predetermined and thought about by the weaver whilst in construction. The woven kente strips average about 4 inches in width each with unique pattern repetition and colours:
Image courtesy of: EthnicDesign
The strips are then painstakingly stitched together to make yards of beautiful cloth.
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