Vintage 1970s Northern Ghana Handwoven Woman’s Cloth

Authentic 1970s Handwoven Woman’s Cloth from Northern Ghana

This vintage West African textile was handwoven on a horizontal treadle loom in Northern Ghana. A classic woman’s wrapper, it features narrow woven strips hand-stitched into a larger panel, creating a lively rhythm of multicolored stripes and fine checks.

• Size: 74" x 45" (188 cm x 114 cm)
• Weave: Narrow-strip construction stitched into a full wrapper
• Loom: Horizontal treadle loom (traditional Northern Ghana technique)
• Materials: Cotton yarns with dyed stripes
• Condition: Very good vintage condition with a couple of small holes, some stains, and light wear from age and use

Designed for everyday wear and special occasions alike, this woman-size cloth drapes beautifully as a shawl or wrapper and also makes an eye-catching wall hanging, table runner, or throw. The tight, balanced weave and neat joining stitches speak to the skill of Northern Ghana’s master weavers.

Cultural Background & Craft

In Northern Ghana, weaving is a living tradition practiced across many communities. Artisans produce long, narrow strips on treadle looms; these strips are then joined to form wrappers and garments. Cotton has long been the preferred fiber for its breathability and strength. Dyers create bands of color—deep indigos, earthy browns, and vivid accents—using natural and commercial dyes, which the weavers arrange into harmonious stripe sequences.

Women historically wore wrappers like this for daily life and ceremonies, while related strip-woven cloths were tailored into the region’s famed smocks. Stripes can signal regional taste and the weaver’s aesthetic rather than fixed symbolism, allowing artisans to experiment with rhythm, spacing, and color interplay. The result is a textile that is both durable and expressive—made to be used, admired, and passed down.

Care & Display: Gentle vacuuming, spot cleaning when necessary, and indirect light will help preserve its vintage character. Display flat, drape over furniture, or frame for a gallery-style presentation.

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