Journal of Literature and Art Studies, May 2016, Vol. 6, No. 5, 500-511 doi: 10.17265/2159-5836/2016.05.007 Nwomu: Hand-Made Embroidery Technique in Asanteland Emmanuel Kodwo Amissah University of Education, Winneba, Ghana Bernard Asumeng Amoako SDA Senior High School, Koforidua, Ghana Osuanyi Quaicoo Essel University of Education, Winneba, Ghana The study sought to investigate the historical background of the traditional hand-made embroidery technique, the production process, and its changing trends amongst the Asantes of Ghana. Interview and observation were used in collecting the needed data at selected craft centres in the Kwabre East District, Ejisu-Juaben municipality, Kumasi sub-metro and metropolitan in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The study employed both descriptive and experimental research methods based on the qualitative research approach. It was revealed that Kente and Adinkra enjoy wide reputation and therefore are considered as prestigious clothes. However, Nwomu cloth does not have this fame, only indigenes understand its usage and the philosophy behind its production. In view of this, it is recommended that the elders who are endowed with this unique craft must open their doors to the youth to learn the craft. Keywords: Nwomu cloth, hand-made, embroidery, Asantes, satin stitch Introduction Asante, as an ethnic group, has various decorative styles and techniques of enhancing their textile products. One of such decorative styles is the traditional hand-made embroidery commonly known as Nwomu. Nwomu is characterized by vertical stripes of coloured yarns stitched in sections along the lengthwise direction of the cloth done basically in a plain Kente cloth which enhances its aesthetic appeal. Nwomu as decorative embroidery technique employs the use of varied satin stitch used to complement the beauty of Adinkra cloth—a stamped cloth that was originally done with natural dyes extracted from the bark of Badie tree (Awuyah, 2012). Adinkra cloth was originally produced for the royal Asantehene and his sub-chiefs. The most elaborate designs of the cloths were purposely for the Asantehene. Adinkra cloth is used during funerals and other festive occasions with the prior aim of bidding farewell to a beloved one (Ofori-Ansa, n.d.). Today, other fabric types can also be hand embroidered with the Nwomu technique without printing the Adinkra symbols or designs in them. This fabric is known as Nwomuntama (Nwomu cloth). Historical accounts revealed that the art of Nwomu amongst the Asantes was practiced by the indigenes long before the emergence of the Adinkra cloth (Awuyah, 2012). The prestigious clothes found among the Asantes are Kente and Adinkra. People travel far and near to observe the craft and its accessories and even purchase pieces as souvenirs. Nwomuntama on the other hand does not have much reputation. Only indigenes know and understand its usage and philosophy. Nwomu is an Akan language which literally means “piercing through something”. Nwomu involves sewing with needle as a means of joining two pieces of fabrics in a Emmanuel Kodwo Amissah, Ph.D., Department of Art Education, School of Creative Arts, University of Education. Bernard Asumeng Amoako, M.A., SDA Senior High School. Osuanyi Quaicoo Essel, M.Phil., Department of Art Education, School of Creative Arts. University of Education. DAVID PUBLISHING D