Vintage Handwoven Ashanti Adinkra Batik Tie‑Dye Cloth – Woman Size

Vintage Handwoven Ashanti Adinkra Batik & Tie‑Dye Cloth – Woman Size

This beautiful Handwoven Ashanti Kente–style Adinkra Batik Tie‑Dye cloth dates from the 1990s and is a rare, authentic piece from Kumasi, Ghana. Perfect for collectors or cultural enthusiasts.

• Size: 61½″ × 39¼″ (156 cm × 100 cm)
• Condition: Very good, with minor age-related wear and small natural stains adds character and history.
• Technique: Hand-painted, hand‑embossed stamping using carved calabash blocks.
• Dye: Natural “badie” tree bark dye processed over 3–5 days with iron slag.

Artisan Process & Heritage

This Adinkra Batik combines two traditional Akan techniques:

1. Hand‑painting & embossing of Adinkra symbols using foam stamps and calabash blocks
2. Traditional Tie‑Dye with natural processes wax melts, motif stamping, cold water rinsing, dipping in dye, oxidizing, repeating for layered motifs, boiling to remove wax, final washing and drying

Historical & Cultural Significance

Legend tells of Nana Kofi Adinkra, a Gyaman king defeated by Asantahene Bonsu‑Panyin of Asante. His patterned sorrow‑cloth became the origin of Adinkra symbolism. Each symbol embossed on this cloth carries deep meaning values, wisdom, and proverbs from Akan culture.

🌍 Worn traditionally by Ashanti and Akan women during special occasions, these cloths communicate social status, emotion, and lineage. Unlike Ewe Kente, which emphasizes bright stripes and silk, this piece focuses on symbolic Adinkra motifs in earthy natural tones. Made of cotton with embroidered panels, it’s a living testament to West African textile artistry.

Materials & Motifs

• Cotton base cloth, hand‑dyed with badie bark
• Hand‑stamped Adinkra motifs in wax resist
• Embroidered panels add subtle texture

Why This Piece Is Special

A true 1990s vintage treasure, blending Tie‑Dye and Adinkra batik rare and culturally rich. Ideal for display, draping, or ceremonial use.

This listing is meticulously crafted by TribalGH to highlight its authenticity and cultural importance. 🇬🇭

▶️ Discover more prints in our Ewe Kente collection at Ewe Kente Cloths and explore our wider range of cloths and textiles at Cloths & Textiles.