Handwoven Ashanti Kente – Mid‑1900s Man Size, Authentic Ghana Cloth

Authentic Handwoven Ashanti Kente Cloth – Mid-1900s, Man Size

Experience a rare treasure from Ghana – an original Handwoven Ashanti Kente cloth made for men and crafted in Kumasi in the mid‑1900s. This ceremonial textile features striking weft motifs, rich symbolic meaning, and exceptional artisanal quality.

• Size: 131″ × 82½″ (332 cm × 209 cm) – Man Size

This cloth is in very good vintage condition, showing minimal signs of age like a few tiny holes, minor stains, and light wear perfectly consistent with its history and authentic use.

Long Description & Cultural Significance

The Ashanti Kente cloth is more than a textile it is a visual tapestry of history, ethics, oral literature, philosophical ideals, moral values, and spiritual beliefs. Handwoven on a traditional horizontal treadle loom in Kumasi, this ceremonial cloth takes weeks to months to complete, depending on the complexity and size of the design.

Weavers hand-spin cotton or rayon yarns, and sometimes the rare silk cloths, into narrow strips which are then meticulously sewn together to form the final piece. Each motif carries historical and metaphorical meaning: patterns may represent proverbs, royal lineage, social status, or deeply held beliefs. The vivid colors also have symbolic power black for maturation and spiritual energy; blue for peace and harmony; gold or yellow for wealth and royalty; green for growth and renewal; red for political sacrifice; and white for purity and healing.

Kente weaving has its roots in the 17th century, born from the Ashanti (Asante) people of Ghana. Today, it continues as a celebrated ceremonial cloth for festivals, dignitaries, and rites of passage, as well as a collectible artwork used as wall hangings, decorative throws, or bed coverings.

While Ashanti Kente is known for its bold, geometric, and often large-scale patterns, the Ewe Kente from eastern Ghana tends toward narrower strips, more repetitive motifs, and distinct symbolism. Both styles are masterful expressions of culture, identity, and craftsmanship.

This extraordinary vintage piece is a genuine artifact of African art authentic, culturally profound, and historically significant.

Explore also our exquisite Ewe Kente collection at TribalGH and broader cloths & textiles selection:

• Shop Ewe Kente Cloths at TribalGH
• Explore Cloths & Textiles at TribalGH