What is an Adinkra?
Did you actually mean admeasure or admonisher? Visual symbols representing concepts or aphorisms, originally created by the Akan of Ghana and the Gyaman of Côte d'Ivoire in West Africa, often used as artistic devices. Adinkra symbols -- In this Symbols.com article you will learn about the various Aninkra symbols and their meaning.
What are Ghanaian Adinkra symbols?
Ghanaian Adinkra symbol Duafe (Comb). Photo: @instabeautyinc 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 to plait and comb hair, and it was a highly treasured object by Akan women.
What does Aban mean in African Adinkra?
Vector icon with African adinkra symbol Aban. Symbol of Strength and authority. Photo: iSidhe The Akan word Aban means "fortress" or "castle." Therefore, it is a symbol of power, authority, and magnificence and a sign of strength.
What does the Adinkra symbol mmere Dane mean?
Adinkra symbol Mmere Dane. Photo: @CodeCliq Mmere Dane translates as "times change." It represents the fleeting nature of good events. Because good things do not last, the fortunate should not brag; similarly, bad things do not last, so the less fortunate should not quit up.
What is the origin of Adinkra?
Origin The Adinkra symbols are believed to have their origin from Gyaman, a former kingdom in today's Côte D'Ivoire. According to an Asante (Ghana) legend Adinkra was the name of a king of the Gyaman (Nana kofi Adinkra).
What language is the word Adinkra?
Adinkra cloth In Akan (Twi), the term adinkra refers to not symbols, but a particular type of cloth. Adinkra cloths were traditionally only worn by royalty and spiritual leaders for funerals and other very special occasions.
Is Adinkra African?
The Adinkra symbols were originally designed by "Asante" Craftsment of Ghana, West Africa. The symbols embody non-verbal communicative and aesthetic values, as well as the way of life of the people who designed them.
Who invented Adinkra?
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.
What is the African symbol for peace?
The Mpatapo symbol depicts a knot with no beginning or end. Mpatapo represents peace, particularly after conflict, as well as forgiveness and reconciliation.
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.
What is the Adinkra symbol for strength?
DWENNIMMEN- “ram's horns,” meaning humility and strength. The ram is noted for its strength when it engages itself in a fight against its adversary.
What is the symbol of love in Ghana?
ODO NNYEW FIE KWANThe Symbol which is written as “ODO NNYEW FIE KWAN” actually symbolizes the power of love, and the message, hidden in these words means: “LOVE WILL NEVER LOST ITS WAY HOME. The symbol brings to it's owner happiness in love, shows him the way to the shared love and harmony.
What is the Adinkra symbol for wisdom?
Spider's web. A symbol of wisdom, craftiness, creativity, and the complexities of life. It is the web of Ananse, the crafty spider who is preeminent in African folklore. No matter how red-eyed one becomes (i.e. how serious one becomes), his eyes do not spark flames.
How are Adinkra symbols used today?
Today, the use of the Adinkra symbols extends beyond fabrics. They are found on pottery, furniture, logos and any material that would lend itself to sharing the messages that they bring.
How many Adinkra symbols do we have in Ghana?
There are about 122 known symbols.
What is the Adinkra symbol for unity?
Description of Nkonsonkonson The Nkonsonkonson symbol depicts two links in a chain. Nkonsonkonson represents unity, community, and the strength that comes from each.
What language is spoken in Ghana?
EnglishGhana / Official languageGhana has about 50 indigenous languages (Dakubu, 1996), and the major ones are Akan, Ewe, Ga, Dagaare, and Dagbani, with English as the official language. Out of these languages, only 11 languages are taught in the schools and few of them are used on the radio and television.
What is the symbol of love in Ghana?
ODO NNYEW FIE KWANThe Symbol which is written as “ODO NNYEW FIE KWAN” actually symbolizes the power of love, and the message, hidden in these words means: “LOVE WILL NEVER LOST ITS WAY HOME. The symbol brings to it's owner happiness in love, shows him the way to the shared love and harmony.
What language is Sankofa?
Twi languageSankofa (pronounced SAHN-koh-fah) is a word in the Twi language of Ghana meaning “to retrieve" (literally "go back and get"; san - to return; ko - to go; fa - to fetch, to seek and take) and also refers to the Bono Adinkra symbol represented either with a stylized heart shape or by a bird with its head turned backwards ...
Are Adinkra symbols copyrighted?
The adinkra Dwennimmen symbol, which is reproduced on the Vera Bradley backpack, is protected under the Ghanaian Copyright Act as part of Ghana's cultural heritage. 6 However, as discussed below, Ghanaian adinkra symbols are not protected under U.S. copyright law.
What is an adinkra?from adinkrabrand.com
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 Adinkra originate?from adinkrasymbols.org
Originating from the Gyaman people of Ghana and la Côte d’Ivoire, the symbols have assumed global importance and are now found in logos, clothes, furniture, sculpture, earthenware pots, and many others.
What is the comb used to stamp Adinkra cloth?from adinkrabrand.com
Before the Adinkra cloth is stamped with the symbols, the artisan blocks off the cloth with lines in a rectangular grid using a broad-tooth comb. This preparation is symbolic of the exacting technique which results in the highest quality product.
How many Adinkra symbols are there?from adinkrabrand.com
So, what do the Adinkra symbols mean. Here's a list of 122 Adinkra Symbols, Meanings, philosophical Significance & Pronunciation.
How many entrances does an Akan have?from adinkrabrand.com
Typical of Akan (Asante) architecture, the communal housing compound has only one entrance and exit.
What does the word "sankofa" mean?from adinkrabrand.com
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 does the fern symbol mean?from adinkrasymbols.org
Fern. A symbol of endurance, independence, defiance against difficulties, hardiness, perseverance, and resourcefulness.
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 meaning of spider web?
Spider's web. A symbol of wisdom, craftiness, creativity, and the complexities of life. It is the web of Ananse, the crafty spider who is preeminent in African folklore.
What does the fern symbol mean?
Fern. A symbol of endurance, independence, defiance against difficulties, hardiness, perseverance, and resourcefulness.
What do Adinkra symbols mean?
These symbols represent famous proverbs and maxims. Additionally, they record historical events, express specific behaviours or attitudes related to unique concepts, and depict figures that are related to abstract shapes.
Where did the Adinkra originate?
What countries use Adinkra symbols? They originate in West Africa, notably in the countries of Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana.
What is the symbol of Adinkra cloth?
This happens before stamping it with symbols. This technique symbolises the preparations to be made to get high-quality products. The symbol represents those people who are innovative in life.
What does Akofena mean?
Akofena means "battle sword" and refers to the state ceremonial swords. It is a sign of governmental power, legality, a ruler's legitimised authority, and acknowledgement of bravery and heroic actions. In the top left quadrant of Ghana's coat of arms, one of these ceremonial swords is crossed with a linguist's staff. 7.
What does Adinkrahene mean?
Adinkra symbols Adinkrahene that signifies leadership, greatness and charisma. Photo: @bestthingcreated. Source: Instagram. Adinkrahene is an African symbol of leadership, greatness and charisma. It has played a critical role in designing other signs. It shows how essential leadership is in any community.
What does the word "akoma" mean?
Its literal meaning is "the heart.". It also represents forbearance in the face of adversity and emphasizes the importance of patience. Akoma symbolises love, benevolence, patience, constancy, tenderness, perseverance, and consistency. Read also.
Who created the Adinkra?
They are closely tied to the traditions, beliefs, and history of the Asante people. Nana Kwadwo Agyeman Adin kra, a Gyaman King, was the one who created and designed these symbols and called them after himself.
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 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 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 does Mframadan represent?
Mframadan. The Mframadan symbol depicts a well-ventilated, or wind-resistant house. Mframadan consists of a square containing straight diagonal and horizontal lines. It represents fortitude and the ability to confront and manage change.
What is the symbol of the African slave trade?
The Epa symbol depicts a set of handcuffs, introduced to West Africa as a result of colonialism and the slave trade. Those within African communities wishing to preserve and enforce the rule of law, however, also adopted them. Therefore, the symbol represents slavery, captivity, but also, conversely, justice and a rejection of slavery.
What does Adinkrahene mean?
Adinkrahene translates to mean ‘Adinkra King’, and this symbol purports to be the inspiration for all others. It consists of three concentric circles, one within the other. The symbol represents charisma, leadership and greatness. In a more abstract sense, it is the idea of an idea.
What does Mmere Dane mean?
Mmere Dane. Mmere Dane translates as ‘time changes.’. It represents the temporariness of any particular state of affairs and the transient nature of luck or fortune. The symbol reflects the transitory nature of all things, and implores that one be humble at all times.
