Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the Akan of Ghana and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa, that represent concepts or aphorisms. Adinkra are used on fabric, walls, in pottery, woodcarvings and logos. Fabric adinkra are often made by woodcut sign writing as well as screen printing. They also can be used to communicate evocative messages that represent parts of their life or those around them. There are many different symbols all have unique looks and meanings.
The adinkra symbols of West Africa also represent popular proverbs and maxims, record historical events, express particular attitudes or behaviour related to depicted figures, or concepts uniquely related to abstract shapes. It is one of several traditional cloths produced in the region – the other well known cloths being kente and adanudo.
Here are some of the more popular adinkra west african symbols.
Ako Ben - the 'war horn'.
Symbol represents a state of readiness, vigilance, and wariness.
It refers, in essence, to an instantaneous response to a call-to-arms. The symbol is based on a traditional war chief's horn which was embellished with the jaw bones of defeated enemies It is said that such a horn sings the praises of the chief through the jaws of his enemies. |
Gye nyame", Adinkra symbol meaning "except for what God allows to happen" or "Unless God allows it to happen" |
Dono - the 'drum".
Symbol represents goodwill and diplomacy. |
Sankofa Symbol
Sankofa can mean either the word in the Akan language of Ghana that translates in English to "go back and take" (Sanko- go back, fa- take) or the Asante Adinkra symbol. It is often associated with the proverb, "Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi," which translates "It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten." |
Denkyem - the 'crocodile'.
Symbol represents adaptability.
"The crocodile lives in the water and yet he breathes air" – an example of adaptation to two different environments. |
Bin Nka Bi - 'Bite not one another'.
Symbol represents harmony and peace.
The related proverb warns against provoking others into retaliation – "If you don't harm someone, they will have no reason to harm you". |
Bese Saka - 'bunch of Kola Nuts'.
Symbol represents wealth.
The bese, or kola nut, was a favourite treat amongst the northern Akan tribes. It was a symbol of affluence and a major item of trade. |
Ananse Ntontan.
Symbol represents creativity and wisdom. |
Akoma Ntoaso - 'Linked hearts'.
Symbol represents agreement and understanding. |
Akoko Nan - the 'hen's leg'.
Symbol represents parental protection, mercy, and nurturing.
The related proverb is "the hen treads on her chicks but she does not kill them" - the protective nature of parents for their offspring. Symbol is formed from a hen leg and spur. |
Nyame Nwu Na Mawu - 'If God dies, so shall I.
Symbol represents the immortality of the human soul.
The proverb is interpreted as "as God never dies, so my soul never dies" – after death the soul becomes one with God. |
Nyame-Nti - 'faith in God'.
Also known as Adwera - a river plant.
Symbol represents consecration, cleanliness, chastity, purity, and faith in God.
The proverb related to Adwera says that "the water of life sustains through its purity", a recommendation to the life of the virtuous and pious. |
