Authentic Vintage Silk Handwoven Ashanti Kente Cloth – Woman Size

Authentic Vintage Handwoven Ashanti Kente Silk Cloth – Woman Size (78″ × 49″)

Experience the elegance of this very rare old African silk Ashanti Kente cloth, handwoven in Kumasi, Ghana during the 1960s. This museum‑quality piece remains in excellent condition, with only minor age‑related wear and faint stains adding to its rich history and authenticity.

• Size: Woman size – 78″ × 49″ (198 cm × 124 cm)
• Material: 100% authentic silk (not rayon)
• Age: Circa 1960s
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minor stains and wear consistent with age

This striking cloth exemplifies the time‑honored technique of Ashanti weaving: narrow silk strips woven on a horizontal treadle loom, then meticulously sewn together to form the full piece. Each cloth can take weeks to months to complete, depending on the complexity of the design.

🧵 About Ashanti Kente Cloth

Kente is more than fabric it's a living canvas of Ashanti culture, weaving together stories of history, ethics, oral tradition, philosophy, moral values, and spiritual beliefs. Originating in the 17th century in the Ashanti (Asante) kingdom of Ghana, these cloths continue to play a ceremonial role in modern Ghana while also prized by collectors globally as wall‑hangings, sofa or bed covers, and museum‑grade art pieces.

Design & Symbolism: Each pattern and motif tells a story symbols of leadership, proverbs, social status, and collective wisdom. The vibrant colors each carry meaning: gold/yellow for royalty and wealth, blue for peace and harmony, green for growth and renewal, black for spiritual energy and maturity.

Materials: Traditionally woven in cotton or rayon, but true silk Kente is exceptionally rare and highly valued this piece being a prime example.

Ashanti vs. Ewe Kente: While Ashanti Kente (South‑central Ghana) often features bold, geometric patterns woven in narrow strips, Ewe Kente (Southeast Ghana/Togo) tends toward narrower bands and more pictorial or symbolic motifs. Both are remarkable, but Ashanti designs are revered for their balance and regal aesthetic.

History: According to oral history, Kente weaving traces to the legendary origin story of two Ashanti weavers who observed spider weaving patterns. Over centuries, weaving evolved into a royal art form. Today, it remains a hallmark of Ghanaian identity and craftsmanship.

This rare silk Ashanti Kente is more than a textile it's a masterpiece of cultural heritage and artisanal skill.

Explore more from TribalGH’s rich heritage collections:

• Discover our Ewe Kente cloth collection
• Browse TribalGH cloths & textiles collection