Adinkra (sometimes, andinkra) symbols are small, symbolic pictures used to decorate
colorful patterned cloth by fabric designers in Ghana. Designs are made
by cutting patterns into pieces of calabash gourd, then stamping them
on fabric with black ink made from iron oxide. The fabric is created
in varied colors and patterns, and used in funerals, weddings, and other
special occasions. It is not used for everyday purposes because it cannot
be washed.
Adinkra
was a legendary King conquered by the Ashante people,who, according
to legend, wore patterned fabrics. Adinkra means "goodbye,"
and the cloth was reserved for funeral garments.
Adinkra
fabric is now used for special occasions, and there are dozens of adinkra
symbols used to impart a variety of meanings to the finished cloth.
Many symbolize virtues, folk tales and proverbs, animals, and even historical
events, and most are very old, having been passed down through generations
of craftsmen.
The list
below shows some of the more popular symbols and their meanings.
Adinkra was not developed as a divination system, but like the Celtic
Ogham, it lends itself easily to the purpose.
Symbol: |
Name: |
Meaning: |
|
Aya,
fern |
defiance,
independence, resourcefulness |
|
Kojo
Baiden (rays) |
Cosmos,
omnipresence |
|
Gya
Nyame |
Presence
of God |
|
Fihankra,
house |
Security,
safety |
|
Osrane
ne nsoroma (Ram's horns) |
Wisdom,
learning, humility |
|
Ohene
(king) |
Foresight,
wisdom |
|
Kuntenkanten
(arrogance, pride) |
Humility
and modesty |
|
Bin
nkabi (None bite another) |
Do not seek revenge, avoid conflict |
|
Krado |
Law,
authority |
|
Funtunfunafu
(crocodiles sharing one stomach) |
Need
for unity, working together |
|
Gyawu
(Hair of the heroi Kwatakye) |
Valor,
Respect, leadership |
|
Akoko
Nan (Chicken's claw) |
Protectiveness,
loving discipline |
|
Sankofa
(return and get it) |
Mistakes
can be rectified, look to the past for solutions |
|
Duafe
(comb) |
Feminine
virtue, everlasting love |
|
Odenkyem
(crocodile) |
Defense,
protection |
|
Adwo |
Peace,
calmness under pressure |
|
Akoben
(war horn) |
Willingness
to take charge |
|
Nkyinkyim |
Endurance,
grace under hardship |
|
Wawa
aba (Wawa seed) |
Overcoming
barriers, movement, progression |
|
Osrane
Nsorama (Sun and moon) |
Marriage,
faithfulness, patience |
|
Kramobone |
One
bad makes all look bad |
|
Pagya
(flint for fire making) |
Bravery,
striking out |
|
Nkontim
(hair of the Queen's servant) |
Loyalty,
Readiness to serve |
|
Owuo
Atwedee (ladder) |
Fate,
inevitabilty |
Comments?
Questions? Don't Agree? Let us know on the Discussion
Forum!
Next>
More adinkra
|