Adinkra Symbols
Adinkra are visual symbols with historical and philosophical significance originally printed on cloth which royals wore to important ceremonies. 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.
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.
Saturated with meaning, these symbols have come to symbolize the richness of Akan culture and serve as a shorthand for communicating deep truths in visual form. As an example, the fact that most universities in Ghana use at least one Adinkra symbol in their logo demonstrates the gravitas their use has come to symbolize.
Saturated with meaning, these symbols have come to symbolize the richness of Akan culture and serve as a shorthand for communicating deep truths in visual form. As an example, the fact that most universities in Ghana use at least one Adinkra symbol in their logo demonstrates the gravitas their use has come to symbolize.
Adinkra Symbols are available in our shop in golden and platinum color for $4 on your bracelets, earrings, or necklace.
If you would like your bracelet with any of these please choose ADINKRA CHARMS in the options and specify the type and color in the comment box before adding the product to the cart. Questions? Please contact me! Thanks!
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ODO NNYEW FIE KWAN
Symbol of the power of LOVE.
Love does not lose its way home. Those led by love always end up in the right place.
SANKOFA
Symbol of importance of learning from the past.
To go back and reclaim your past so you can move forward to understand how you came to be who you are today.
SANKOFA BIRD
Symbol of importance of learning from the past.
Sankofa Bird reminds us to continue to move forward as we remember our past, and at the same time we plant a seed for the future generations that come after us.
NYAME DUA
"tree of God" – altar
Symbol of God's presence and protection.
The Nyame Dua is a sacred spot where rituals are performed. Erected in front of the house or compound, it is crafted from a tree that has been cut where three or more branches come together. This stake holds an earthenware vessel filled with water and herbs or other symbolic materials for purification and blessing rituals.
HYE WON HYE
"that which does not burn"
Symbol of imperishability and endurance
This symbol gets its meaning from traditional priests that were able to walk on fire without burning their feet, an inspiration to others to endure and overcome difficulties.
FUNTUNFUNEFU-DENKYMFUNEFU
"Siamese crocodiles"
Symbol of democracy and unity
Symbol of democracy and unity
The Siamese crocodiles share one stomach, yet they fight over food. This popular symbol is a remind that infighting and tribalism is harmful to all who engage in it.
GYE NYAME
"except for God"
Symbol of the supremacy of God
Symbol of the supremacy of God
This unique and beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. It is by far the most popular for use in decoration, a reflection on the deeply religious character of the Ghanaian people
DUAFE
"wooden comb"
Symbol of beauty and cleanliness; symbols of desirable feminine qualities
Symbol of beauty and cleanliness; symbols of desirable feminine qualities
The meaning of this symbol is characterized slightly differently in "The Adinkra Dictionary" and "The Values of Adinkra Symbols"; the former emphasizes more abstract qualities of feminine goodness, love and care, while the latter has a more literal interpretation, looking one's best and good hygiene. In any case, the Duafe was a prized possession of the Akan woman, used to comb and plait her hair.
DWENNIMMEN
"ram's horns"
Symbol of humility together with strength
Symbol of humility together with strength
The ram will fight fiercely against an adversary, but it also submits humbly to slaughter, emphasizing that even the strong need to be humble.
ESE NE TEKREMA
"the teeth and the tongue"
Symbol of friendship and interdependence
Symbol of friendship and interdependence
The teeth and the tongue play interdependent roles in the mouth. They may come into conflict, but they need to work together.
KWATAKYE ATIKO
"hair style of an Asante war captain"
Symbol of bravery and valor
This symbols is said to be a special hair style of Kwatakye, a war captain of old Asante.
The symbol has come to represent bravery and fearlessness. It is also given as an earned title to any brave son of an Akan community."
Symbol of bravery and valor
This symbols is said to be a special hair style of Kwatakye, a war captain of old Asante.
The symbol has come to represent bravery and fearlessness. It is also given as an earned title to any brave son of an Akan community."
NKYINKYIM
“Twisting” It is a symbol representing the tortuous nature of life’s journey.
The design of Nkyinkyim depicts the tortuous nature of life’s journey. These twists and turns require one to be versatile and resilient to survive.
The proverb associated with this symbol is “Ɔbra kwan yɛ nkyinkyimii,” which literally means “Life’s journey is twisted.”
MMERE DAN
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.
Picture of real charm coming soon!
Reference:
“ADINKRA INDEX.” Adinkra Symbols of West Africa, www.adinkra.org/htmls/adinkra_index.htm.
https://symbolikon.com/