Handwoven Ashanti Kente – Vintage 1970s Woman‑Size Ceremonial Cloth

Handwoven Ashanti Kente – Authentic Vintage 1970s Woman Size Cloth

Discover a remarkable piece of Ghanaian heritage – this Handwoven Ashanti Kente crafted in Kumasi during the 1970s. Perfectly sized for women, this authentic ceremonial cloth reflects centuries of skill, symbolism, and cultural richness.

• Size: 81 ½″ × 44 ½″ (207 cm × 113 cm)

This vintage Ghana Ashanti Kente is in good condition. You’ll notice its age‑related character: a few small holes, some repaired areas, minor stains, and gentle wear. These features only add to its authenticity – a vintage treasure steeped in history.

🧵 Exceptional Craftsmanship & Heritage

This ceremonial cloth was meticulously hand woven on a traditional horizontal treadle loom in Kumasi, Ghana. Narrow strips each a vibrant testament to Ashanti weaving mastery were sewn together into a majestic whole. Depending on the complexity of its design, such a cloth might take anywhere from several weeks to months to produce.

🎨 Symbolism & Cultural Significance

Ashanti Kente is much more than fabric it’s a visual tapestry of history, ethics, oral literature, philosophy, moral values, and religious beliefs. Each pattern conveys stories of royalty, power, unity, and wisdom, while the colors hold deep symbolic meaning:

• Black: Maturity, spiritual energy
• Blue: Peace, harmony, love
• Gold/Yellow: Wealth, royalty, high status
• Green: Growth, renewal, harvest
• Red: Political and spiritual moods, sacrifice
• White: Purity, cleansing rites, festive occasions

✨ Materials & Traditional Uses

Most Ashanti Kente is woven from cotton or rayon, but rare silk variants also exist. This piece is likely cotton or rayon, offering a rich texture and vibrant color palette. Worn ceremonially by royals, dignitaries, and during significant rites it continues to shine today in fashion, décor, or as cherished collector’s art.

🧭 History & Regional Identity

The Ashanti Kente tradition dates back to the 17th century in the Gold Coast (modern‑day Ghana). Though it shares weaving roots with Ewe Kente from Ghana’s Volta Region, Ashanti Kente is distinguished by bolder patterns, chunkier strip widths, and powerful symbolic motifs. Ewe designs often display finer, more intricate patterns with narrower stripes, while Ashanti pieces focus on assertive geometry and regal symbolism.

Collectible today as wall hangings, sofa or bed coverings, Ashanti Kente remains more than a textile it’s a dynamic emblem of culture, identity, and artistry.

📎 Condition Notes

• Made in the 1970s – vintage authenticity
• Some small holes & repairs
• Minor stains & wear typical of age and ceremonial usage

This piece is a rare slice of West African artistry perfect for display or ceremonial wear.

Browse our exclusive collections:

• Ewe Kente Cloths – TribalGH Collection
• TribalGH Cloths & Textiles