ADINKRA: “THE CLOTH THAT SPEAKS”.
Adinkra (ah-DEEN-krah) cloth is a hand-printed fabric made in Ghana. Adinkra cloths were traditionally made for royalty to wear at religious ceremonies. Through the years, people have also decorated the cloths to tell a story or to express their thoughts or feelings.
Adinkra cloth is stamped and patterned with traditional Ashanti symbols. Each symbol has its own meaning. Cloths are made by using a black dye made of bark. This dye is called Adinkra aduru, and it is what gives the cloth its name. Using the dye, lines are drawn on the cloth to divide it into squares. Next, calabash gourds with symbols are pressed into the dye, and then stamped onto the fabrics.
Made in Ntonsu, Ashanti Region, Ghana. 11ft. X 8.5ft.