Vintage 1960s Ashanti Akunitan – Cloth of the Great, Ghana

Vintage 1960s Ashanti Akunitan - “Cloth of the Great” from Ghana

This exceptional Ashanti Akunitan cloth, known as the “Cloth of the Great,” was created in the 1960s by master artisans of the Ashanti (Asante) people in Ghana. Traditionally worn by Ashanti royalty and warriors, Akunitan cloths are highly prized ceremonial textiles, hand-embroidered with bold symbols that convey power, status, and cultural heritage.

• Size: 120" x 84" (304 cm x 213 cm)
• Materials: Traditional woolen fabric
• Technique: Fully hand-embroidered
• Motifs: Lions, elephants, crocodiles, birds, and other African animal and tribal symbols
• Reference: Similar cloth illustrated in “Wrapped in Pride,” page 58, cloth A3
• Condition: Very good vintage condition with some small holes and light wear consistent with age

Symbolism & Cultural Heritage

Each motif in this Akunitan is deeply symbolic. Lions represent courage and leadership, elephants embody strength and endurance, crocodiles signify adaptability and resilience, while birds often symbolize vision and communication with the spiritual world. These motifs are carefully arranged in bold compositions, forming a visual language that tells stories of valor, wisdom, and lineage.

Akunitan cloths were historically worn draped over the body during important ceremonies, festivals, and public appearances of chiefs and warriors. The complex embroidery, often in vibrant colors, was a sign of wealth, status, and refined taste—reserved for society’s most prominent figures.

Artistry & Technique

Unlike woven kente cloth, Akunitan is made from a woolen base fabric onto which designs are meticulously embroidered by hand. This labor-intensive process can take weeks or months, with each stitch contributing to a dense, tactile surface that enhances the visual drama of the motifs.

Today, vintage Akunitan cloths are rare and highly collectible, sought after by museums, collectors, and lovers of African textile arts. This piece is not only a striking display textile but also a tangible link to Ghana’s royal traditions.

Explore more from our collections:
Cloths and Textiles Collection
Ashanti Kente Cloths Collection