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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. Adinkra cloth is not used for everyday purposes
because it cannot be washed.
The name
Adinkra comes from the legendary King conquered by the Ashante
people,who, according to legend, wore luxurious patterned fabrics.
Adinkra means "goodbye,"
and the special cloth was reserved for funeral garments.
Adinkra
fabric is now used for a variety of 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, or "God alone" (Not, as some have suggested, "Only
God can judge me") |
 |
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. Sankofa is
also depicted as a backwards-looking goose. |
 |
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?
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