Ananse Ntontan Adinkra Stamping Block – Craftiness Symbol Ghana

Ananse Ntontan – Adinkra Stamping Block (Spider Web Symbol of Craftiness)

Discover an authentic Adinkra stamp carved in Ghana, featuring the Ananse Ntontan (Spider Web) symbol an emblem of craftiness, creativity, and wisdom.

• Size including handle: 3 5/8″ (92 mm)
• Stamp motif size: 2 5/8″ × 2 5/8″ (67 mm × 67 mm)

This Adinkra stamping block is in very good condition and ideal for authentic cloth‑stamping projects. 

About the Symbol – Ananse Ntontan:
The Ananse Ntontan symbol literally “spider web” represents craftiness, creativity, and the intelligence of the spider, Ananse, in Akan folklore. It reminds us how small beings can weave greatness. The web’s design symbolizes unity in complexity and ingenuity. A commonly quoted proverb is: “Ananse na eb (If the local name’s meaning is known here, insert it; otherwise, the symbol is unique with rich lore passed down through Ghana.)

How the Stamp Is Made & Cultural Importance

The stamping block is carved from the bottom of a calabash gourd. A wooden/cane peg forms the handle, wrapped in cloth for comfortable use. The stamp face is slightly curved so it rocks through locally produced natural dye (from the bark of the “badie” tree), transferring the intricate motif onto cloth.

Adinkra stamping blocks originated in Ntonso, Ghana, and are central to traditional Adinkra cloth-making a cloth historically reserved for royalty, chiefs, and priests during funerals and important ceremonies. According to a legend, Nana Kofi Adinkra, the Gyaaman king, was defeated and taken to Kumasi by the Ashanti, where his sorrowful patterned cloth inspired the tradition.

Today, Adinkra cloths are worn by anyone during cultural celebrations, ceremonies, and to express identity, social values, and artistic heritage in Ghana and beyond.

Each stamp is a beautiful, hand‑crafted piece of cultural history and a practical tool for textile creation.

Browse our Adinkra Collection
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Learn about Gye Nyame and other Adinkra symbols