Hand Stamped Adinkra Cloth Woman Size 64"×42" – Authentic 1980s

Hand Stamped Adinkra Cloth – Woman Size 64" x 42"

This elegant vintage Adinkra cloth from the 1980s is hand stamped, hand painted, hand embossed, and meticulously embroidered, making it a stunning example of traditional Ghanaian artistry.

• Size: 64" × 42" (162 cm × 106 cm)
• Condition: Very good, with minor age‑related stains and some wear
• Stamping Blocks: Carved from calabash
• Natural Dye: Extracted from “badie” tree bark, heated with iron slag for 3–5 days until thick

The cloth features a rich array of traditional Adinkra symbols, each stamped by hand using calabash blocks, then enhanced with hand painting, embossing, and fine embroidery for added texture and depth.

About Adinkra Cloth

Adinkra cloths originate from the Ashanti and Akan peoples of Ghana. These textiles are traditionally hand stamped with symbolic motifs that communicate wisdom, values, history, and proverbs. My cloths are hand stamped not hand woven, preserving the authentic method used in Ntonso, Ghana.

Adinkra Symbols & Their Meanings

Adinkra symbols represent important cultural concepts:

• Gye Nyame: “Except for God,” signifying divine supremacy
• Sankofa: “Return and fetch it,” valuing the wisdom of the past
• Dwennimmen: “Ram’s horns,” denoting humility and strength

The symbols connect to virtues like patience, compassion, unity, and resilience, bringing profound meaning to the cloth.

Colors & Materials Used

This cloth is dyed with natural badie tree bark dye, resulting in deep, earthy tones. The stamping blocks are carved from calabash gourd. The painting and embossing are done by hand using natural pigments. Finally, the cloth is decorated with embroidery for a refined look.

Traditional Creation & Uses

Artisans carve the stamping blocks from calabash, dip them in natural dye, and press the designs onto the cloth. After stamping, the cloth is painted and embossed, then embroidered. Adinkra cloths are worn for important social events among the Ashanti people, including funerals and festivals. Each symbol conveys messages of respect, mourning, celebration, or moral teaching through its motif.

History of Adinkra Cloth

The tradition traces to Nana Kofi Adinkra, a king of Gyaman (modern Ivory Coast), who was defeated and taken prisoner by Asantehene Bonsu‑Panyin in the early 19th century. The legend says Nana Adinkra wore patterned cloth to express sorrow as a captive in Kumasi. From there, the Ashanti adopted and developed the symbolic cloth-making tradition.

This woman‑size hand stamped Adinkra cloth is a rare and beautiful piece of Ashanti heritage, perfect for collectors, cultural displays, or unique fashion statements. Embrace a piece of history and symbolic artistry with this beautiful, authentic artifact.

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