Vintage 1970s Hand stamped Adinkra cloth – woman’s size, Ghanaian

Hand stamped Adinkra cloth – 1970s Ghanaian vintage, woman’s size

This beautiful vintage Adinkra cloth from the 1970s was hand painted, hand embossed, and carefully embroidered to create a unique textile. It features traditional Adinkra symbols stamped using hand‑carved calabash blocks, dyed with natural Badie tree bark and iron slag. The cloth is in very good vintage condition, with minor holes, light stains, and expected wear that tell its story.

• Size: 65" × 42 ¼" (165 cm × 107 cm)
• Condition: Very good vintage condition, with a few small holes and stains
• Technique: Hand stamped, hand painted, hand embossed, embroidered
• Materials: Calabash stamping blocks, Badie tree bark natural dye with iron slag

About this Hand stamped Adinkra cloth

This authentic Adinkra cloth is not handwoven but beautifully hand stamped, painted, embossed, and embroidered. Each symbol was pressed by the artist using carved calabash blocks to create a meaningful design. The dye is made traditionally from Badie tree bark boiled with iron slag for several days until thick.

What are Adinkra cloths?

Adinkra cloths originate from the Akan and Ashanti peoples of Ghana and the Gyaman region (now part of Ivory Coast). These textiles carry deep cultural symbolism through richly designed stamped motifs. The cloths have been used for centuries in funerals, celebrations, and special ceremonies.

Adinkra symbols and their meanings

Each Adinkra symbol (Adinkra nsɛmfua) encodes a proverb, historical event, human attitude, or moral message. For example, symbols like “Sankofa” remind us to learn from the past and “Gye Nyame” expresses divine supremacy.

Symbolic meanings of colors and patterns

The natural Badie bark dye gives earth‑toned brown and black hues that signify maturity, solemnity, and spirituality. Light and dark patterns may also highlight the dual nature of life and death, knowledge and mystery.

Materials and stamping process

Adinkra stamping blocks are traditionally carved from calabash or wood. The artist dips them into the thick Badie dye and stamps them onto the cloth by hand. These stamps are passed down through generations and each is carved with care.

Cultural use among the Ashanti people

In Ashanti society, hand stamped Adinkra cloths are worn during funerals and other rites of passage. Funerary cloths often use darker dyes and solemn symbols. For joyous celebrations, brighter patterns and lighter fabrics are used.

History of Adinkra cloth in Ghana

According to legend, Nana Kofi Adinkra, the king of Gyaman, was captured by the Asantehene Bonsu Panyin in the early 1800s. When brought to Kumasi, he wore patterned cloth to express his grief. The Asante people adopted the symbols and stamping practice in his memory, giving birth to the tradition of Adinkra cloth.

This listing is for a genuine vintage piece stamped with traditional techniques and storytelling symbolism. It is not machine‑printed but hand stamped and hand‑crafted by an experienced Ghanaian artist.

Discover more from TribalGH:

• Adinkra stamping blocks
• Jewelry featuring Adinkra symbols
• Educational blogs about Adinkra symbols