Learn about Adinkra symbols and how people use them to communicate. Watch the video below to discover their origins and cultural significance. Understand the meanings and traditional uses that make Adinkra symbols interesting expressions of culture.
Adinkra symbols, which originated in West Africa within the Kingdom of Ashanti, are visual representations with significant cultural and symbolic meaning. These geometric symbols, which consist of lines, dots, and forms, are used in a variety of contexts, including clothing, pottery, and jewelry, to represent specific notions or ideas. “Sankofa” emphasizes historical understanding, but “gye nyame” represents God’s supreme strength. Adinkra symbols are rooted in the Ashanti people’s cultural heritage and serve not only as an intrinsic part of traditional art but also as a visual means of communicating ideals. Beyond their Ghanaian roots, these symbols have garnered global prominence, appearing on logos, clothes, and other items, and are welcomed by a wide range of societies, cementing their standing as icons of African symbolism and philosophy.
Except God: A symbol expressing God’s omnipotence. Probably the most common Adinkra symbol. It appears on Ghana’s largest denomination bill, the 200 cedi note.
Gye Nyame
Go back and get it! Sankofa is an African word used by the Akan people of Ghana. The term and symbol’s literal translation is “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” Essentially, every event in life should leave you smarter than when it began, and even if it was a horrible one, you would have learned how not to do it.
Sankofa
Chief of the adinkra symbols: Symbol of greatness, charisma, and leadership.This symbol is thought to have inspired the design of other symbols. It emphasizes the importance of taking on leadership roles in the community. Great leaders are charismatic, and this symbol represents the honorable traits of a good leader.
Adinkrahene
A sword of war (or the state ceremonial swords): A symbol of courage, valor, and heroism. The crossed swords were a common feature on the heraldic shields of many former Akan nations.
Akofena
Fern: A symbol of endurance, independence, defiance against difficulties, hardiness, perseverance, and resourcefulness.
Aya
