Handwoven Ewe Kente (1960s Vintage, 71¼″×44″, Volta Region)

Handwoven Ewe Kente “Guinea Fowl” Cloth – 1960s Vintage

Step back in time with this authentic handwoven Ewe Kente cloth from the Volta Region of Ghana. Crafted in the 1960s, its striking “guinea fowl” pattern evokes the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Ewe people.

• Size: 71 ¼″ × 44″ (181 cm × 112 cm)
• Era: 1960s handwoven vintage piece
• Condition: Very good vintage condition – some wear and few minor stains reflecting its history
• Pattern: “Guinea fowl” base colors with intricate symbolic bands

This stunning cloth can grace your home as a wall hanging, sofa throw, or bed covering, or be worn in traditional ceremonies infusing any space with timeless elegance.

About This Handwoven Ewe Kente

Ewe Kente cloths are masterpieces of West African weaving tradition, made on horizontal treadle looms by highly skilled Ewe artisans. Each piece is double-woven and imbued with purpose its patterns carry names, ancient proverbs, historical narratives, and expressions of moral values and spiritual beliefs.

The symbols and motifs on this “guinea fowl” cloth reference fertility, unity, and deep cultural wisdom. Woven with cotton and sometimes silk threads, every band reflects the weaver’s expertise learned through extended apprenticeship in the Volta Region.

Ewe vs Ashanti Kente

• Weaving technique: Ewe use double-weave bands, offering reversible patterns and rich texture, while Ashanti employ single-weave with broader motifs.
• Patterns & color: Ewe designs tend toward subtle geometric and symbolic motifs (like animals or abstract shapes), whereas Ashanti Kente often display bold, larger-scale patterns and brighter primary colors.
• Cultural focus: Ewe cloths often emphasize symbolism connected to family, river spirits, and everyday life; Ashanti patterns tend to celebrate royalty, history, and power.

A Brief History of Ghana’s Kente Cloth

Originating over 500 years ago, Kente weaving began among the Ashanti and Ewe peoples. The Ewe brought their own double-weave tradition to Southern Ghana in the 16th century, refining the craft over generations. Kente became ceremonial cloth for rulers and elders, conveying respect, wisdom, and social status. Today it remains a powerful emblem of Ghanaian identity and Pan-African pride.

This exquisite vintage cloth is not merely a textile it’s a living connection to centuries of artistry, culture, and storytelling from the heart of Ghana.

Discover more beautiful textiles:
Explore TribalGH Ashanti Kente Cloths
Explore TribalGH Cloths & Textiles