Hand Stamped Adinkra Cloth “Man” Size Vintage 1960s 132½″×90″

Hand Stamped Adinkra Cloth – Vintage 1960s “Man” Size (132½″ × 90″ / 336 × 228 cm)

Discover this authentic Hand Stamped Adinkra cloth from the 1960s, crafted in the Ashanti region of Ghana. This impressive “Man” size piece measures:

• 132½″ × 90″ (336 cm × 228 cm)

The cloth is in very good vintage condition with some age‑related wear and stains that add character and history. It was carefully hand painted, hand embossed, and embroidered, featuring traditional Adinkra symbols stamped using calabash carving blocks. The dye is a deep natural shade derived from heating badie tree bark with iron slag for three to five days.

About This Hand Stamped Adinkra Cloth

This cloth was created using multiple traditional Adinkra stamping blocks to produce a rich, symbolic design. The cloth combines stamping, painting, embossing, and embroidery to showcase a layered artisanal technique.

What Are Adinkra Cloths and Symbols?

Adinkra cloths originate from the Akan people of Ghana and Ivory Coast. Each cloth is stamped with Adinkra symbols that carry deep meanings. These symbols often represent proverbs wisdom, values, history, and social norms. Ashanti royals and community leaders wore Adinkra cloths during funerals and ceremonies to convey messages through their symbols.

Symbolism and Colors

The symbols on this cloth may represent concepts like unity strength, resilience, learning, and respect. The natural badie‑tree dye yields shades of brown and black that symbolize maturity dignity and spiritual depth in Akan tradition.

Materials and Techniques

The stamping blocks are carved from calabash shells. The dye is extracted from badie tree bark then thickened over days. Though it is hand‑crafted it is not hand‑woven but rather hand‑stamped onto plain cloth, then enriched with embossing and embroidery for depth and texture.

Stamps and Designs

This cloth was stamped using a variety of Adinkra symbols by hand in layers. Each stamp has its own story and meaning, reflecting ancestral wisdom.

Uses Among the Ashanti

The Ashanti and Akan people wore Adinkra cloths at funerals to honor the deceased or at festivals and events to express identity social status and moral values. Symbols on the cloth communicate messages about the wearer’s role and the occasion.

History of Adinkra Cloths

The tradition of Adinkra cloth dates back to Nana Kofi Adinkra king of Gyaman (now Ivory Coast). The legend says he was defeated by the Ashanti King Bonsu‑Panyin and brought to Kumasi. His richly patterned cloth impressed the Asante and inspired the practice of stamping cloths with symbolic designs. This 1960s cloth carries on that centuries‑old heritage.

This vintage Hand Stamped Adinkra cloth from TribalGH is a testament to the artistry and cultural legacy of Ghana’s Akan people. Its imperfections reflect its journey through time.

Explore more at TribalGH:

• Adinkra stamping blocks collection
• Adinkra symbols jewelry collection
• Educational blogs about Adinkra symbols