Handwoven Ashanti Kente – Vintage Woman Size 71½″×44″ from Ghana

Handwoven Ashanti Kente – Woman Size 71½″ × 44″ (181 cm × 111 cm)

This is an authentic vintage Handwoven Ashanti Kente cloth from Kumasi, Ghana. Crafted in the 1970s, this ceremonial textile reflects exceptional craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage.

• Size: 71½″ × 44″ (181 cm × 111 cm)
• Era: 1970s vintage
• Condition: Good one professional repair; minor stains; slight color running and light wear consistent with age

This exquisite piece was woven on a traditional horizontal treadle loom. Strips of handwoven fabric were meticulously sewn together to create this larger ceremonial cloth. The weaving process took several weeks or even months to complete, depending on complexity.

📜 Cultural & Symbolic Details

Ashanti Kente cloths aren't just textiles they're visual narratives weaving history, ethics, oral traditions, philosophy, moral values, and spiritual beliefs into fabric. Originating in the 17th century, the practice remains vibrant today in Ghanaian ceremonies and as sought-after vintage art for collectors.

🎨 Meaning of Designs & Colors

• Geometric motifs express royal lineage, proverbs, and ancestral wisdom.
• Colors: Bright yellow (wealth & fertility), deep blue (peace & harmony), green (growth & renewal), black (spirituality & maturation), red (political power & sacrifice), white (purity & sanctity).

🧵 Materials & Weaving

Traditionally woven in high-quality cotton or rayon. Rare, luxurious versions incorporate silk threads for added luster these are particularly prized. Each strip is hand-dyed, woven, and assembled by master weavers, ensuring a unique artistry in every piece.

👑 Usage & Cultural Significance

In Ashanti (Asante) culture, this cloth served as regal attire for royals and dignitaries during festivals, funerals, weddings, and rites of passage. It signifies status, identity, and spiritual connection. Unlike Ewe Kente, which often features diagonal motifs and simplified patterns, Ashanti styles tend to showcase bold geometric blocks and a richer, more formal visual language.

🕰️ History of Kente in Ghana

Kente weaving began in the 17th century amid the rise of the Asante kingdom. Inspired by the creativity of Bonwire weavers, it evolved into a sophisticated art form. Over centuries, it has sustained its ceremonial importance and become a global symbol of African heritage.

This vintage Handwoven Ashanti Kente is not only a stunning textile artifact it’s a piece of living history, ideal for ceremonial wear, collector display, wall art, or luxurious home decor.

Explore more of our heritage collection:

• Ewe Kente Cloths Collection
• Cloths & Textiles Collection