Hand Stamped Adinkra Cloth – Vintage Ashanti 1970s “Woman” Size (165×110 cm)

Hand Stamped Adinkra Cloth – Vintage 1970s “Woman” Size Ashanti Fabric (165 × 110 cm)

Discover the rich cultural legacy of West Africa with this authentic, vintage hand stamped Adinkra cloth, crafted in Ntonso, Ghana.

• Size: 65½″ × 43¼″ (165 × 110 cm)
• Era: Circa 1970s (vintage)
• Condition: Very good condition; minor age wear, a few small stains, and one tiny hole
• Technique: Hand painted, hand embossed & embroidered
• Stamping: Calabash‑carved Adinkra symbols
• Dye: Natural “badie” bark dye heated with iron slag for 3–5 days

This exquisite “Woman” size cloth features a harmonious blend of hand‑applied Adinkra symbols, beautifully maintaining both visual appeal and cultural resonance even after decades of use.

Origins & Cultural Significance

Hand stamped Adinkra cloths originate from the Akan people of Ghana, especially the Ashanti. These textiles are more than decorative, they’re storytelling canvases: each Adinkra symbol embodies timeless wisdom, proverbs, values and history. Crafted traditionally in Ntonso village, the cloths are stamped with carved calabash blocks and stamped using natural “badie” bark dye.

Symbols & Meaning

The cloth’s varied symbols depicture human virtues, social mores, and spiritual beliefs. These may include symbols for perseverance, unity, wisdom, and mourning, fitting for their traditional use in funerals, rites of passage, and celebratory gatherings.

Materials & Techniques

* Calabash Stamps: Each design is carved by hand into dried gourd calabashes.
* Natural Dye: Dark, earthy hues from badie bark and heated iron slag result in a richly pigmented, lasting finish.
* Fabric: Hand‑woven cotton, hand‑painted and hand‑embroidered for depth and texture.

Historical Context & Use

Adinkra cloths gained prominence among the Ashanti as ceremonial attire. They were most often worn by mourning family members but also marked milestones -births, weddings, funerals, and coronations. The legend of Nana Kofi Adinkra - once King of Gyaman (modern Ivory Coast) - who was defeated and made to wear symbolic cloth in Kumasi, signals the enduring power of these textiles.

Legacy of Adinkra Cloth

Dating back to at least the early 19th century, Adinkra cloths were traditionally reserved for royalty and elite. Today they are cherished worldwide for their aesthetic beauty, cultural depth, and symbolic storytelling, printed on everything from fashion to home décor, yet grounded in ancient Ashanti traditions.

This piece embodies the spirit of West African craftsmanship, perfect for collectors, educators, or anyone drawn to fabrics that speak volumes.

See more:

• TribalGH Adinkra stamping blocks collection
• TribalGH jewelry featuring Adinkra symbols
• TribalGH educational blogs on Adinkra symbols