African Adinkra symbol Stamp block Ghana Ashanti cloth GYAWU ATIKO

Authentic Adinkra stamping block used in Ghana for the stamping of Adinkra cloths.

The height of the stamp including the handle is 3 3/8" ( 87 mm ).

The size of the actual stamping motive is 2 7/8" ( 73 mm ) x 2 9/16" ( 65 mm ).

This symbol is the "GYAWU ATIKO" - This is said to be the design shaved on the hair of Gyawu ( He was a Bantamahene ).

For each additional Adinkra block FREE SHIPPING.

The stamping blocks are carved out of the bottom of a calabash ( gourd ).

They have a handle on the back, and the stamp itself is slightly curved, so that the dye can be put on with a rocking motion.

For the stamping they use locally produce natural dye made from the bark of the "badie" tree.

The artist is using different stamping blocks ( Adinkra symbols ) to create his design.

A Legend in Ghana says that ADINKRA ( Nana Kofi Adinkra ) was a famous king of GYAMAN ( Now Ivory Coast ) that entered into war with Asantahene BONSU-PANYIN ( Ashanti King ) Adinkra was defeated and captured in a battle.

The tradition had it that Nana Adinkra wore patterned cloth, which was interpreted as a way of expressing his sorrow on being taken to Kumasi the capital of Asante.

The reason of the war was that Adinkra tried to copy the Golden stool of the Ashantis.

Adinkra cloths were traditionally worn only by royalty, chiefs and fetish priest for funerals and other special occasions.

Presently this cloths are worn by anyone, wrapped around women or men on any special occasion.