What is the purpose of Adinkra?
Developed by the Ashanti people, Adinkra cloths were traditionally made for royalty to wear at religious ceremonies. Through the years, people have also decorated the cloths to tell a story or to express their thoughts or feelings.
Who uses Adinkra?
The Asante peoples of Ghana use adinkra to express the connection between the verbal and the visual in Akan culture. Adinkra symbols appear on wooden prestige objects, jewelry, brass weights and, most prominently, as two-dimensional stamped designs ornamenting cloth.
How many Adinkra symbols do we have in Ghana?
However, the most common place to find Adinkra symbols in Ghana is on cloth; the cloth is decorated with Adinkra symbols and most commonly used during cultural gatherings but especially at funerals. There are many different Adinkra Symbols and Meanings, over 60, and each symbol has a unique meaning.Jun 14, 2021
What is the African symbol for life?
The ankh symbol—sometimes referred to as the key of life or the key of the nile—is representative of eternal life in Ancient Egypt. Created by Africans long ago, the ankh is said to be the first--or original--cross.Nov 5, 2015
Where do Adinkra symbols come from?
Adinkra symbols were designed by the Akan people from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana during the early 1800s. Many Adinkra symbols use radial or reflective symmetry and express deeply symbolic proverbs related to life, death, wisdom, and human behavior.Nov 6, 2019
What is the Adinkra symbol for family?
Eban. Eban translates to mean 'fence', though in the case of this symbol, it represents more the safety and security provided by the home. The home is where the family is, and therefore the symbol also represents love and the security provided by the family.
What does Adinkra mean in African?
: a writing system incorporating symbols representing various concepts that is used by the Akan peoples of Ghana to mark fabrics, walls, pottery, and other surfaces —often used before another noun Two murals from a Jackson Pollock workshop and two from a West African adinkra printing workshop are on display. —
How do you draw Adinkra?
0:003:33How To: Draw the Adinkra Symbol for Forgiveness - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis video I am going to show you how to draw the Adinkra symbol for forgiveness so we're gonnaMoreThis video I am going to show you how to draw the Adinkra symbol for forgiveness so we're gonna start with a small oval kind of like a hotdog shape. Just like that.
What is the Adinkra symbol for wisdom?
Mate Masie This is a symbol of wisdom, knowledge and prudence. The implied meaning of the phrase "mate masie" is "I understand and can signify learning from education and the prudence of listening to what another person has said.
What is the Adinkra tribe?
Adinkra, originally produced by the Gyaaman clans of the Brong region, was the exclusive right of royalty and spiritual leaders, and only used for important ceremonies such as funerals. Adinkra means goodbye.Jan 22, 2020
Is it offensive to wear an ankh?
Ankh Jewelry Today In both jewelry and art, today the ankh is used as a representation of its original meaning life and also symbolizes ancient Egypt. It's a unisex symbol and can be worn by anyone.
Can I wear an ankh?
But while ankh necklaces and other jewelry were used in rituals, there wasn't necessarily a particular person or station of person who was meant to wear an ankh. Today, as is often the case, any symbol can be worn by anyone, and people all over the world decide to wear the ankh symbol.Jan 9, 2022
What does Adinkra mean?
Adinkra are visual symbols with historical and philosophical significance originally printed on cloth which royals wore to important ceremonies.
What is the meaning of Adinkrahene?
Adinkrahene. King of the Adinkra symbols. A symbol for authority, leadership, and charisma. Also a symbol for qualities associated with kings. Adinkrahene is reportedly the inspiration for the design of the other symbols. 5. Dwennimmen. Ram's horns.
What does Akoko Nan mean?
Akoko Nan. The foot of a hen. A symbol for discipline coupled with care and nurturing; from the Akan proverb, “Akoko nan tia ba na enkum ba,” literally, “The foot of a hen steps on the child (chick) but it doesn't kill the child (chick).”. 17. Akoma Ntoaso.
What is the symbol of strength?
A symbol of strength (in mind, body, and soul), humility, wisdom, and learning. This symbol features prominently in the logo of the University of Ghana, Ghana's first and largest university. 6. Funtumfunefu Denkyemfunefu. Conjoined crocodiles.
What is the symbol of God except God?
Except God. A symbol expressing the omnipotence of God. Probably the most popular Adinkra symbol. It is featured on Ghana's largest-denomination banknote, the 200 cedi note. 2. Sankofa. Go back and get it. A symbol of the wisdom of learning from the past to build for the future.
What is an adinkra?
Adinkra are visual symbols that encapsulate evocative messages conveying traditional wisdom, philosphical thoughts, ideas or aspects of life or the environment. Once obscured, these West African symbols now take the spotlight in the world's third largest movie industry, Hollywood. Adinkra symbols have been spotted in movies like;
Where did the word "dinkra" come from?
The name “Adinkra” can be traced back to the word “Dinkra” of the Akan/Twi Language, of the Akan people of Ghana. “Dinkra” means: to be separated, taking leave or farewell.
What does the eagle symbol mean?
Meaning & Philosophical Significance. Symbol of Strength, Bravery, Power. The eagle is the mightiest bird in the sky, and its strength is concentrated in its talons. The Oyoko clan, one of the nine Akan clans, uses this symbol as their clan emblem.
What is the symbol of greatness?
Symbol of Greatness, Charisma and Leadership. This symbol is said to have played an inspiring role in the designing of other symbols. it signifies the importance of playing a leadership role in the community. Great leaders are charismatic, and this symbol exemplifies the honourable qualities of a good leader.
What does the word "sankofa" mean?
The literal translation of the word and the symbol is “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.”.
What was the name of the ink used in the printing process of the Asante robe?
With the robe came the knowledge of adinkra aduru (the special ink used in the printing process) and the process of stamping the designs onto cotton cloth. Over time the Asante further developed adinkra symbology, incorporating their own philosophies, folk tales, and culture.
What is the history of Adinkra?
The History of Adinkra Cloth and Symbols. The Akan people (of what is now Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire) had developed significant skills in weaving by the sixteenth century , with Nsoko (present-day Begho) being an important weaving center. Adinkra, originally produced by the Gyaaman clans of the Brong region, was the exclusive right ...
How many Adinkra symbols are there?
The symbols were often linked with a proverb, so they convey more meaning than a single word. Robert Sutherland Rattray compiled a list of 53 adinkra symbols in his book, "Religion and Art in Ashanti," in 1927.
What does the Adinkra symbol represent?
The adinkra symbols represent popular proverbs and maxims, record historical events, express particular attitudes or behavior 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 are kente and adanudo.
Why is Adinkra cloth not washed?
Because the ink is not fixed, the material should not be washed. Adinkra cloth is used in Ghana for special occasions such as weddings and initiation rites. Note that African fabrics often differ between those made for local use and those that are exported.
Who took the Asante robe?
His adinkra robe was taken by Nana Osei Bonsu-Panyin, the Asante Hene (Asante King), as a trophy. With the robe came the knowledge of ...
What does each adinkra symbol represent?
Each symbol represents a small number of simple concepts, meaning that Adinkra cloth would traditionally be printed using bespoke patterns, telling a story about the wearer that could be read by those knowledgeable enough to understand the underlying symbolism. The Adinkra symbols, and their meanings, have survived to the present day.
What does the word "adinkra" mean?
The word ‘adinkra’ means ‘farewell’ or ‘goodbye’ in the Twi language, spoken by the Asante people. For this reason, Adinkra cloth was worn often on special occasions, particularly funerals. The Adinkra symbols are closely tied to the history, beliefs and traditions of the Asante people. Each symbol represents a small number of simple concepts, ...
What does the symbol Owuo Atwedee mean?
Owuo Atwedee. Owuo Atwedee translates as ‘the ladder of death. ’. It forms part of the proverb which says that, in essence, everyone will one day climb death’s later. The symbol depicts a literal ladder, but represents the mortality of man. It may be invoked to humble the prideful or console the grieving.
What is the symbol of a palm tree?
The Nyame Dua symbol depicts a cross-section of a palm tree, or the top of a tree stump. It represents God’s presence and protection. Nyame Dua is also the name of the place outside a dwelling or in a village where sacred rituals take place.
What does the akoko nan mean?
Akoko Nan. The Akoko Nan depicts the leg of a chicken, or hen. The name of the symbol comes from the African proverb, ‘The leg of a hen steps on the child chick but it doesn’t kill the chick.’. It represents the nurturing, but also disciplining, of children.
What is the symbol of cola?
Bese Saka is the symbol of the cola nut. This represents affluence, power, abundance, trade and commerce. Cola nuts were a prized cash crop in West Africa and so they are closely associated with economic success.
What does the Nteasee symbol represent?
The Nteasee symbol represents cooperation and understanding. It urges the people to be more considerate and compassionate towards one another. Peace and harmony will reign when people overlook their differences and work together.
How many Adinkra symbols are there in Ghana?
Adinkra Symbols and Meanings. Approximately 400 such symbols are known in Ghana. Many of these symbols share a common basic form, and slight variations in the representation may entail a change in the meaning.
What is the significance of Adinkra cloth?
The Adinkra cloth chosen to be worn to funerals could represent traits the deceased had, evoke sentiments and messages to the deceased, or both. Only spiritual leaders and royals were able to enjoy this luxury, where a special process was used to hand-craft these one-of-a-kind cloths.
Why do people wear Adinkra cloth?
Traditionally, Ashanti royalty, spiritual leaders, and other elites wore Adinkra cloth to special occasions, including to funerals as a way to honor the deceased. The Adinkra cloth chosen to be worn to funerals could represent traits the deceased had, evoke sentiments and messages to the deceased, or both.
What is Adinkra Aduru?
They also received the knowledge regarding Adinkra Aduru, ( translated in english as “Adinkra Medicine” which was a special ink used for the printing process ). In addition, they also got to know about the process involving the stamping of designs onto the cotton cloth.
Where did the name "Adinkra" come from?
HISTORY OR ORIGIN OF ADINKRA SYMBOL. The name “Adinkra” can be traced back to the word “Dinkra” of the Akan/Twi Language, of the Akan people of Ghana. “Dinkra” means: to be separated, taking leave or farewell.
What is the gold stool?
As per a legend among the Akan people of Ghana, the beginning of the 19th century saw a military conflict when Gyamaan king named Nana kofi Adinkra tried to copy the ‘Golden Stool,’ which represent a symbol of power as well as tribal unity of the neighboring Asante nation.
