Adinkra symbols explained: Meaning, origin, style, spiritual significance

Adinkra symbols explained: Meaning, origin, style, spiritual significance

Adinkra symbols decorate textiles, logos, metalwork, pottery, and architectural elements. Kwadwo Adinkra (the King of Gyaaman) invented them. The Asante craftsmen of West Africa designed and named the symbols after him. This article explains the origin and meanings of Adinkra symbols and their names in Twi.

Adinkra symbols
Adinkra symbols meanings. Photo: alamy.com, @Yulia Drozdova
Source: UGC

The kingdom of Gyaaman was a medieval Akan people state in the first half of the 17th century. The Bono people (a branch of the Akan) established it in the northwest of the Asante region (most of Ghana and parts of Togo and the Ivory Coast). Adinkra symbols were for the royals and people of high status in the kingdom.

Where do Adinkra symbols come from?

Adinkra are Ghanaian symbols from the Akan people of Ghana, precisely the Bono community. Each sign has a spiritual significance and embodies the aesthetic values and the way of life of the people of the kingdom of Gyaaman.

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Akan is the largest ethnic group in Ghana. It has 12 tribes; the Bono, Adanse, Asante, Twifo, Fante, Asen, Akuapem, Akwamu, Kwahu, Awowin, Sehwi, Akyem, Nzima, and Ahanta.

Kwadwo Adinkra was among West Africa's most powerful rulers of the 18th century. Adinkra symbols spread from Bono Gyaaman to Asante and other Akan Kingdoms after the kingdom of Gyaaman collapsed.

What does the word Adinkra mean?

Adinkra means "goodbye" or "farewell" in Asante Twi. At one point, Adinkra symbols and clothes were only worn and displayed during funerals to signify sorrow and bid farewell to the deceased. Today, Adinkra symbols are widely used in textiles, logos, pottery, metalwork, and architectural elements.

What are the names of Adinkra symbols?

The people resisted British colonial rule in West Africa. Rejecting the Western influence might have been one of the main reasons their symbolism and cultural traditions exist today. There are about 122 known Adinkra symbols. Here are images of some Adinkra symbols and their meanings:

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1. Aban - Strength, power, and authority

Adinkra symbols explained
African Adinkra symbol Aban means strength, power, and authority. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

Aban is an Akan word meaning "fortress" or "castle." The stands for power, authority, and magnificence. It is a sign of strength in the Akan community.

2. Adwo - Peace and calmness

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Adwo signifies peace and tranquility. Photo: @Adwo
Source: Facebook

Having a sense of peace and tranquillity within you helps decrease the impact of the turmoil on the outside, even amid obstacles and hardships.

Peace of mind is essential, and you can obtain it by remaining calm and relaxed during difficult situations. Adwo is a word that means "quiet." It is a sign of tranquillity, peace, and quiet.

3. Adinkrahene (Chieftain of Adinkra symbols) - Leadership

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkrahene signifies leadership, greatness, and charisma. Photo: @bestthingcreated
Source: Instagram

Adinkrahene is an African symbol of leadership, superiority, and captivation. It has played a critical role in designing other signs. It shows how essential leadership is in any community. Most great leaders are charismatic; therefore, this symbol denotes the honorable features of a good leader.

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4. Agyindawuru - Loyalty, vigilance, and accountability

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Agyindawuru means loyalty, caution, and accountability. Photo: @ricochet64
Source: Getty Images

Agyin's gong is a symbol of loyalty, attention, and responsibility. The Agyindawuru symbol was designed to honor the faithfulness of Agyin (Asantehene's diligent servant and gong-beater).

5. Akoben - Vigilance and carefulness

Adinkra symbols explained
Akoben, "war horn," symbolizes vigilance and carefulness. Photo: @Codecliq
Source: Facebook

Akoben translates as "battle horn." It represents being ready to make sacrifices for the people you love and what you believe in. The symbol inspired the ancient Akan people to volunteer for war and defend themselves from other kingdoms.

6. Akofena - Courage and heroism

Adinkra symbols explained
Akofena, the "sword of war," symbolizes courage and heroism. Photo: @Codecliq
Source: Facebook

Akofena means "battle sword" and refers to the Akan kingdom's ceremonial swords. The Akofena symbolizes government power, legality, a ruler's legitimized authority, bravery, and heroic actions.

7. Akoma Ntoaso - Unity, understanding, and agreement

Adinkra symbols explained
Akoma Ntoso "linked hearts" means understanding and agreement. Photo: @Codecliq
Source: Facebook

Akoma Ntoaso translates as "the merging of hearts." It may also refer to "joined hearts." It symbolizes agreement, oneness, unity, or a charter, an extension of the Akoma notion.

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8. Akoma - Patience and tolerance

Adinkra symbols explained
Akoma, "the heart," symbolizes patience and tolerance. Photo: @Codecliq
Source: Facebook

Akoma is a symbol of endurance and understanding from the Asante people of modern-day Ghana, and it can be identified as the modern-day standard heart. It denotes love, unity, perseverance, patience, altruism, and dedication.

Its literal meaning is "the heart." It also represents forbearance in the face of adversity and emphasizes the importance of patience. Akoma symbolizes love, benevolence, patience, constancy, tenderness, perseverance, and consistency.

9. Ani Bere A Enso Gya ring - Self-discipline

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra Ani Bere A Enso Gya Ring represents self-discipline. Photo: @aflebijoux
Source: Facebook

Ani Bere A Enso Gya is an Akan adage, "No matter how red-eyed one grows (i.e., how serious one becomes), his eyes do not kindle fires." It represents patience, self-control, and self-discipline.

10. Ananse Ntontan (Spider’s web) - Complexities of life

Adinkra symbols explained
Ananse Ntontan represents creativity, the complexities of life, and wisdom. Photo: @beimaginativecollective
Source: Facebook

Ananse Ntontan is a symbol of creativity, the complexities of life, and wisdom. Creativity is the creation of something new and different. Understanding relates to knowledge, experience, and reasonable judgment in decision-making and taking necessary actions.

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11. Asase Ye Duru (Earth has mass) - The divinity of Mother Earth

Adinkra symbols
Adinkra symbol Asase Ye Duru (Earth has mass). Photo: @amarelo_terra
Source: Instagram

Asase Ye Duru represents the divinity and the providence of Mother Earth. The symbol promotes the Earth's importance in sustaining life. Therefore, people should not act in a way that will harm the Earth.

12. Aya (Fern) - Endurance, tolerance, and willpower

Adinkra symbols explained
African adinkra symbol Aya means defiance and endurance. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

This symbol depicts endurance, patience, and willpower. The fern is a robust plant that grows in harsh climatic conditions. Those who wear this symbol imply they have endured many difficulties in life.

13. Abe Dua (palm tree) - Wealth and resourcefulness

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Abe Dua (palm tree). Photo: @thiossane.afrika
Source: Instagram

Abe Dua means palm tree and a palm tree symbolizes wealth, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness. People get oil, brooms, wood, roofing materials, and wine from it.

14. Akoko Nan (a hen’s leg) - The caring nature of parents

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Akoko Nan (a hen’s leg). Photo: @snaqcreations
Source: Facebook

Akoko Nan is one of the Adinkra symbols that represents discipline and caring. As the name suggests, a hen tramps on its chick but can not kill them. In addition, the emblem portrays the protective and caring nature of parents.

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15. Bese Saka (a bag of cola nuts) - Abundance

Adinkra symbols origin
Adinkra symbol Bese Saka (a sack of cola nuts). Photo: @Bernadette Champion
Source: Facebook

Bese Saka represents power, togetherness, plenty, abundance, unity, and affluence. The cola nut is a cash crop that played a vital role in the economic life of Ghana. It shows the position of trade and Agriculture in bringing people together.

16. Bi Nka Bi (no one should bite the other) - Togetherness

Adinkra styles
Adinkra symbol Bi Nka Bi (no one should bite the other). Photo: @kah_leekst
Source: Facebook

Bi Nka Bi represents peace and unity. The image is based on two fish locking on each other's tails. The sign means that people should watch out against devious acts that provoke civil strife.

17. Dame Dame - Intelligence, innovation, and strategy

Adinkra symbols explained
Dame Dame represents intelligence, innovation, and strategy. Photo: @Codecliq
Source: Facebook

Dame Dame is the name of a board game played in Ghana. It represents intelligence, innovation, and strategy. The two players start with 14 pawns neatly arranged on one end of the board in Dame Dame. Since the game demands focus and intelligence, the symbol represents creativity when playing Dame Dame.

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18. Denkyem (crocodile) - Versatility and adapting to conditions

Adinkra symbols explained
The Denkyem Adinkra symbol. Photo: @jaydzignz
Source: UGC

Denkyem is a symbol of versatility. It shows the ability of a crocodile to survive inside and outside water for a long time. Hence, Denkyem demonstrates the capability of adapting to the prevailing conditions.

19. Dono Ntoaso - Kindness

Adinkra symbols
A necklace pendant made in Dono Ntoaso shape. Photo: @Etsy
Source: Facebook

Dono Ntoaso translates as "Dono extension" or "the double Dono. " These means two drums connected from the top. Dono Ntoaso represents unity, awareness, kindness, praise, rejoicing, and ability.

20. Dono - Goodwill

Adinkra symbols explained
African adinkra Dono symbol represents praise and goodwill. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

Dono is a tensile talking drum with animal hide-wrapped strings connecting both ends. The drum is held under the armpit; its sound depends on how hard the drummer carries it. Dono represents appellation, praises, goodwill, honor, and rhythm.

21. Duafe (comb) - Cleanliness and beauty

Adinkra symbols explained
Ghanaian Adinkra symbol Duafe (comb). Photo: @instabeautyinc
Source: Instagram

This symbol depicts cleanliness and beauty (desirable feminine features). It is one of the Ghanaian Adinkra symbols that spotlight the qualities of a woman, like care, love, and goodness. The wooden Duafe was used for coming and plaiting the hair, and it was a highly treasured object by Akan women.

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22. Dwennimmen (ram’s horns) - Humility and strength

Adinkra symbols
Adinkra symbol Dwennimmen (ram’s horns). Photo: @larissaamarachi
Source: Instagram

Dwennimmen is a beacon of strength with virtues of humility. For example, it shows how a ram fights aggressively against any rival but will give in humbly to be sl*ughtered. The symbol means that even strong people should be humble.

23. Eban (fence) - Love and security

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Eban (fence). Photo: @Bernadette Champion
Source: Facebook

Eban is an African symbol of love and security. According to the Akan people, an ideal homestead should have a fence. The fence represents the protection of the family from external and harmful factors.

24. Epa (handcuffs) - Law & justice, captivity, and slavery

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Epa (handcuffs). Photo: @heritagecollage
Source: Facebook

Epa is a mark of law and justice, captivity, and slavery. It represents the experiences of Africans in the hands of Arabs during the slave trade. It is one of the many Ghanaian symbols that depict oppression. However, this symbol does remind the offenders of the uncompromising nature of law and discourages all forms of slavery.

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25. Ese Ne Tekrema (teeth and tongue) - Human interdependence

Adinkra symbols explained
Ese Ne Tekrema (teeth and tongue). Photo: @videlartstudio
Source: Instagram

Ese Ne Tekrema is a symbol of interdependence and friendship. It shows the interdependence between the teeth and the tongue in the mouth. Sometimes they may conflict, but they need to work together.

26. Fafanto (butterfly) - Fragility and tenderness

Adinkra symbols explained
Fafanto represents tenderness and gentleness. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

The word "fafanto" means "butterfly." The emblem represents the butterfly's essence: fragility, delicacy, and tenderness. A butterfly is a delicate, gentle creature with gorgeous wings. It has unbridled joy in soaring around.

27. Fawohodie (freedom) - Independence, liberty, and autonomy

Adinkra symbols
Fawohodie symbol (liberation). Photo: @boutique.grandeur
Source: Instagram

Fawohodie is a symbol of independence, liberty, and autonomy. In other words, it means that freedom comes with its responsibilities, translated in Akan as "Fawodhodie ene obre na enam."

28. Fihankra (house or compound) - Security and safety

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Fihankra "house" means security and safety. Photo: @CodeCliq
Source: Facebook

Fihankra represents fraternity, safety, security, completion, and solidarity. Among the Akans, communal living is the norm. "It takes a village to raise a child" is not just a cliche but a genuine experience. In the past, exile was the most severe punishment for a misbehaving member of society.

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29. Fofo (yellow flowed plant) - Envy and jealousy

Adinkra symbols
A fofo-shaped earring (yellow flowed plant). Photo: @EthnicEarring
Source: Instagram

This emblem denotes envy and jealousy. The moment Fofo's petals drop, they turn into black spiky-like seeds. The nature of the Fofo petals is compared to a jealous man. The Fofo plant wishes that the Gyinantwi seeds turn black is one of the Akan proverbs associated with Fofo.

30. Gye Nyame (except for God) - The power of God

Adinkra symbols
Adinkra symbol Gye Nyame (except for God). Photo: @xplorefrica
Source: Instagram

Gye Nyame is one of the traditional Ghanaian symbols that shows the power of God. This beautiful and unique symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. However, it is mainly used in decoration and reflects a profoundly religious character.

31. Hwehwemudua - Excellence, perfection, and knowledge

Adinkra symbols explained
Hwehwemudua, "measuring stick," means examination and quality control. Photo: @CodeCliq
Source: Facebook

Hwehwemudua translates as "rod of inquiry," which is a measuring rod. It represents excellence, exceptional quality, perfection, knowledge, and critical thinking.

32. Hye Won Hye (that does not burn) - Enduring challenges

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Adinkra symbols explained
Earrings with Hye Won Hye shape. Photo: @Etsy
Source: Facebook

The symbol denotes endurance and imperishability. Its meaning stems from traditional priests walking barefooted on the fire without getting burned. Its role is to inspire others to endure and overcome challenges.

33. Kwatakye Atiko - Bravery and courage

Adinkra symbols explained
Kwatakye Atiko, "hairstyle of an Asante war captain," means bravery and boldness. Photo: @CodeCliq
Source: Facebook

Kwatakye Atiko translates as "the back of Kwatakye's head." It is a symbol of bravery and courage. Gyawu Atiko is another name for this symbol. It is claimed to be the hairdo of Kwatakye, an old Asante war captain.

34. Kramo Bone Amma Yeanhu Kramo Pa - Warning against lies

Adinkra symbols
Adinkra symbol Kramo Bone Amma Yeanhu Kramo Pa represents a warning against lying and hypocrisy. Photo: @Black History Festival
Source: Facebook

Kramo Bone Amma Yeanhu Kramo Pa translates as "the terrible Muslim makes it impossible to recognize the good." It represents a warning against lying and hypocrisy. This emblem is also known as “Papani amma yeanhu kramo,” which means that the profusion of excellent men made identifying Muslims difficult.

35. Kuronti ne Akwamu - Democracy, sharing ideas and advice

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Adinkra symbols explained
African adinkra symbol Kuronti Ne Akwamu represents democracy and council. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

Kuronti and Akwamu are two groups that make up a town or village council. As a result, the sign represents democracy, sharing ideas, and seeking advice.

They may each have their particular interests as two distinct groups, but an acceptable agreement to control the entire is born out of this conflict.

36. Mako - Opportunities and developments

Adinkra symbols explained
African adinkra symbol Mako represents opportunity and development. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

Mako translates as "peppers." It is a symbol of inequity and uneven development. Mako is a shortened variant of the Akan adage "Mako nyinaa mpatu mmere," which means "All peppers (probably on the same branch) do not ripen simultaneously."

This proverb advises the wealthy to assist the less fortunate, with the underlying assumption that circumstances may change and they, too, will require assistance. As the Akans say, “Mmer dane,” or “Time Changes,” any advantage one may have now may not last forever.

37. Mate Masie (I keep what I hear) - Knowledge and wisdom

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Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Mate Masie (I keep what I hear). Photo: @ucanturnitaround
Source: Facebook

The symbol is a beacon of prudence, knowledge, and wisdom. Mate Masie means, "I understand." Understanding means wisdom and insight. It also represents the sense of considering what another person says.

38. Menso Wo Kenten - Self-sufficiency and determination

Adinkra symbols explained
African adinkra symbol Menso Wo Kenten means industriousness and self-reliance. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

Menso Wo Kenten translates as "I am not carrying your basket." It represents industriousness, self-sufficiency, and economic self-determination.

39. Mpuannum (five tufts of hair) - Commitment and devotion

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Mpuannum (five tufts of hair). Photo: @tgnuk
Source: Instagram

This Adinkra symbol denotes cleverness, loyalty, and a priestly office. It is said to be a priestess's hairstyle. It also shows an individual's faithfulness and devotion when doing the delegated duties.

40. Mpatapo (knot of pacification/reconciliation) - Reconciliation

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Mpatapo (knot of pacification/reconciliation). Photo: @videlartstudio
Source: Instagram

The Mpatapo symbol represents pacification, peacemaking, and reconciliation. It denotes the knot or bond that brings together different parties in a dispute to a harmonious and peaceful reconciliation.

41. Mframadan - Willingness to tackle challenges

adinkra symbols and their meanings
Adinkra symbol Mframadan. Photo: @CodeCliq
Source: Facebook

Mframadan translates as "well-ventilated dwelling." A symbol of fortitude and willingness to tackle life's ups and downs. A traditional Akan house is well-ventilated, resilient, and survives storms, rain, and tropical heat.

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42. Mmere Dane - Change and life's dynamics

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Mmere Dane. Photo: @CodeCliq
Source: Facebook

Mmere Dane translates as "times change." It represents the fleeting nature of events. Since good things do not last, the fortunate should not brag. Bad things do not last, so the less fortunate should not quit. No state is permanent. A person should be humble, cooperative, and optimistic in all his endeavors.

43. Nea Onnim - Desire for knowledge and education

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Nea Onnim. Photo: @CodeCliq
Source: Facebook

Nea Onnim translates as "he who does not know." It is derived from the Akan saying, "Nea onnim no sua an ohu," meaning "when one who does not know learns."

44. Nea Ope Se Obedi Hene (he who desires to be king) - Leadership

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Nea Ope Se Obedi Hene (he who wishes to be king). Photo: @r3d4.4nkh
Source: Instagram

Nea Ope Se Obedi Hene is a beacon of leadership and service. It means that anyone who wants to be a leader must learn to serve. People follow someone who is willing to serve, do the dirty work, and fight for them.

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45. Nkonsonkonson - Unity and human relations

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Nkonsonkonson. Photo: @CodeCliq
Source: Facebook

Nkonsonkonson translates as "chain." It symbolizes unity in a community, as mentioned in Akan proverbs about oneness. A community should never strive to restrict resources, create boundaries, or engage in actions that do not strengthen partnerships or collaboration with other communities.

46. Nsaa - Excellence, genuineness, and authenticity

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Nsaa. Photo: @CodeCliq
Source: Facebook

Nsaa is a woven fabric. It is a mark of excellence, genuineness, and authenticity, like the Akan saying, "Nea onnim nsaa na oto n'ago," which means "he who does not know excellent nsaa will buy the counterfeits."

The uncritical and inexperienced and those uneducated in quality principles may not differentiate the real from the counterfeit, but not the wise. They can detect quality from a long distance.

47. Nsoromma - Faith in a divine higher power

Adinkra symbols explained
Vector icon with African adinkra symbol Nsoromma. Symbol of ward and guardianship. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

The Akan word for "star" is Nsoromma. It means "child of the heavens." It symbolizes faith, belief in divine patronage, and reliance on a higher power. The higher power of the universe or God is within all humans. By learning to trust a higher power, one becomes less likely to be controlled by people, behaviors, or substances. You become open to learning more about yourself and how to love yourself.

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48. Nteasee - Cooperation

Adinkra symbols explained
Vector icon with African adinkra symbol Nteasee. Symbol of understanding and cooperation. Photo: iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

The Akan term for "understanding" is Nteasee. It is an African symbol that represents understanding and cooperation. Cooperation is the act or process of working together to get something done for a common purpose or to achieve mutual benefit.

49. Nyame Biribi Wo Soro (there is something in the heavens) - Hope

Adinkra symbols
Adinkra symbol Nyame Biribi. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

This sign means "God; there is something in the heavens," symbolizing hope and inspiration. This Adinkra is a prayer to God for a wish to be granted.

The Akans believe God is in the heavens, listening to their prayers, blessing them, and watching them. They also think he is present to see that his intentions on Earth are carried out.

50. Nyame Nwu Na Mawu - Eternality and omnipresence

Adinkra symbols explained
Nyame Nnwu Na Mawu symbolizes eternality and omnipresence. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

Nyame Nwu Na Mawu translates, "God will not die for me to die." It is a symbol of faith in God to maintain one's soul, expressing the immortality of the human soul. To state that God will not die for me to die is to assert that the only way I can fail is for God to die. Since God is immortal, I have another life after death.

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51. Nkyimu - Precision and skillfulness

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Nkyimu (strips made on Adinkra cloth before stamping). Photo: @54kibo
Source: Facebook

This symbol is a beacon of precision and skillfulness. The artisans start by blocking the Adinkra cloth with lines in a rectangular grid using a broad-tooth comb. The process happens before stamping it with symbols. This technique symbolizes the preparations to be made to get high-quality products. The emblem represents those people who are innovative in life.

52. Nyame Dua (God’s tree/altar) - God's guardianship

Adinkra symbols
Adinkra symbol Nyame Dua (God’s tree/altar). Photo: @luna_lu80
Source: Instagram

The symbol denotes God's existence and guardianship. What is Nyame Dua? It is a unique pot used to perform rituals. First, the pot is crafted from a tree with three conjoined branches. Then it is used to hold herbs, water, and any other symbolic material used during blessings and purification rituals.

53. Nyame Nti (God’s grace) - Trust and faith in God

Adinkra symbols
Adinkra symbol Nyame Nti (God’s grace). Photo: @sekei_thia
Source: Instagram

This symbol represents trust and faith in God. Many cultures consider that stalk represents the staff of life. The whole plant reminds the Akan people that God's food is essential for nourishment, and humans could not survive without it.

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54. Nyansapo (wisdom knot) - Knowledge, experience, and learning

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Nyansapo (wisdom knot). Photo: @r3d4.4nkh
Source: Instagram

Nyansapo denotes patience, intelligence, ingenuity, and wisdom. A wise person can quickly know the best means to attain a goal. Being wise means having broad knowledge, experience, and learning.

55. Okuafo Pa - Tenacity, hard effort, and entrepreneurship

adinkra symbols png
African adinkra symbol Okuafo Pa represents diligence and hard work. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

The words Okafor (farmer) and pa (good) are combined to make the phrase "good farmer." A good farmer is conscientious and dedicated.

Farming necessitates a high level of devotion to the task if you want a plentiful harvest, and at the end of the day, farmers strive for a large harvest. Therefore they must be dedicated to their work. It represents tenacity, hard effort, and entrepreneurship.

56. Osram Ne Nsoromma (moon and star) - A marital bond

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Osram Ne Nsoromma. Photo: @thepriestesspages
Source: Instagram

The symbol represents love, unity, and harmony. It signifies a marital bond between a man and a woman. The Adinkra proverb, "Kyekye pe aware," means the North Star, and represents a deep love for marriage. A man and a woman should co-exist the same way the moon and the stars co-exist.

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57. Okodee Mmowere (an eagle's talons) - Bravery and strength

Adinkra symbols explained
Vector icon with African adinkra symbol Okodee Mmowere. Symbol of strength and bravery. Photo: iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

Okodee Mmowere shows power, bravery, and strength. The sign means that the eagle is the most powerful bird in the sky, and it gets its strength from its talons. The Oyoko clan usually uses this as their clan emblem.

58. Owuo Atwedee (the ladder of death) - Mortality

Adinkra symbols explained
Owuo Atwedee symbolizes mortality. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

The symbol denotes mortality. It reminds the people of the transitory nature of existence on this Earth. Therefore, the emblem emphasizes the importance of living a great life to remain a meaningful soul after this life.

59. Pempamsie (sew in readiness) - Steadfastness and readiness

Adinkra symbols
Adinkra symbol Pempamsie. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

The symbol represents steadfastness, hardness, and readiness. The design of this symbol resembles the link of a chain. It shows the power through unity and the importance of always being prepared.

60. Sankofa (return and get it) - Wisdom

Adinkra symbols
Pan-African colours on Adinkra symbol Sankofa Bird. Photo: @tatadonets
Source: Instagram

The emblem is characterized by a bird retracing its steps to get a lost egg. The Adinkra symbol Sankofa means collecting what has been left behind is not taboo. Therefore, each experience in life should leave an individual wiser than it met them. If the incident is not good, a person should learn how to deal with such situations in the future.

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61. Wawa Aba (a Wawa tree seed) - Toughness, perseverance, and hardship

Adinkra symbols
Adinkra symbol Wawa Aba. Photo: @iSidhe
Source: Getty Images

The emblem signifies toughness, perseverance, and hardship. The seed of the Wawa tree is very hard. In Akan culture, the symbol represents someone strong and inspires an individual in trouble.

62. Wo Nsa Da Mu A (if your hands are in the dish) - Democracy

Adinkra symbols explained
Adinkra symbol Wo Nsa Da Mu A (if your hands are in the dish). Photo: @CodeCliq
Source: Facebook

This Adinkra symbol represents participatory government, pluralism, and democracy. It means that if you have already put your hands in the container, people will only eat some things and leave nothing for you.

How many Adinkra symbols are there?

There are about 122 known symbols.

What is the origin of Adinkra?

Adinkra are Ghanaian symbols from the Bono tribe of the Akan community and the ancient kingdom of Gyaaman.

Why were Adinkra symbols created?

Ancient Bono and Asanti artisans put these symbols on clothes for the royals and people of high status. They were symbols of royalty and power in the Gyaaman and Asante kingdoms in Ghana.

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What does the Adinkra symbol mean?

Each Adinkra symbol expresses an idea or aphorism. The symbols represent famous proverbs and maxims. These symbols are records of the historical events of the Akan people.

What countries use Adinkra symbols?

Adinkra symbols are popular in worldwide even though they are originally from the Akan people of Ghana. These symbols are also common in Togo and Cote d'Ivoire.

Are Adinkra symbols real?

Adinkra originates from the ancient kingdom of Gyaaman, the Bono tribe. This community is part of the 12 tribes of the Akan people of Ghana. Adinkra symbols appear on some traditional Akan gold weights. These symbols are found on fabrics, logos, architectural works, metalworks, jewelry, pottery, etc.

Are Adinkra symbols religious?

Adinkra symbols have been incorporated into Christian worship and theology since the 1960s. They became popular within secular and religious circles because of their communicative potential.

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Does the Adinkra symbol accept God?

The meanings of these Adinkra symbols prove the ancient Akan people believed in God:

  • Gye Nyame (except for God) - The power of God
  • Nyame Biribi Wo Soro (there is something in the heavens) - God's exitance
  • Nyame Nwu Na Mawu (God will not die for me to die) - God's eternality and omnipresence
  • Nyame Dua (God’s tree/altar) - God's guardianship and protection
  • Nyame Nti (God’s grace) - Trust and faith in God

Adinkra symbols help the world understand the Akan people's traditional beliefs and way of life. Many worldwide use these symbols to decorate their clothes, jewellery, furniture, and other items.

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Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Chris Ndetei avatar

Chris Ndetei (Lifestyle writer) Christopher Ndetei is a junior reporter writer who joined the Yen team in May 2021. He graduated from the Machakos Technical College in 2009 with a diploma in ICT. Chris has over two years of experience in content creation and more than ten working in the hospitality industry. He covers lifestyle/entertainment, focusing on biographies, life hacks, gaming and guides. In 2023, Christopher finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach him at chrisndetei@gmail.com

Peris Walubengo avatar

Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo is a content creator with 5 years of experience writing articles, researching, editing, and proofreading. She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Yen.com.gh in April 2022. The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course. She covers bios, marketing & finance, tech, fashion & beauty, recipes, movies & gaming reviews, culture & travel. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.