Adindra: West African symbols evocative of traditional wisdom

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“Come back and do it”

symbol of the importance of learning from the past

“If your hands are in the dish”

symbol of participatory government, democracy and pluralism

From the aphorism, “Wo NSA da mu un, nnya Wonni wo” - “If your hands are in the dish, people don't eat everything and leave you nothing.” Source: “Cloth as metaphor” from GF Kojo Arthur

“Change or transform your character”

symbol of the transformation of life

This symbol combines two distinct adinkra symbols, the “Morning Star” which can signify a new start for the day, placed inside the wheel, representing rotation or independent movement.

“Seed of the wawa tree”

symbol of resistance, tenacity and perseverance

The seed of the wawa tree is extremely
hard. In Akan culture, it is a symbol of someone who is strong and tough. It inspires the individual to persevere through difficulties.

"The enemy simmering in its own juice"

symbol of jealousy and envy

“When you climb a good tree”

symbol of support, cooperation and encouragement

From the expression "Woforo dua un pa, na yepia wo" means "When you climb a good tree, you are given a boost".

More metaphorically, it means that when you work for a good cause, you will get support.

Source: Fabric that metaphor by GF Kojo Arthur

“Sew ready”

symbol of will, tenacity, hardiness

According to The Adinkra Dictionary , design of this symbol resembles the links in a chain, and implies unity is strength, as well as the importance of being well prepared.

“The Ladder of Death”

symbol of mortality a reminder of the ephemeral nature of existence in this world and the imperative of living a good life in to be a worthy soul in the afterlife

"Snake climbing the raffia tree ”

symbol of firmness, prudence and
of diligence

Due to its thorns, the raffia tree is a very dangerous challenge for the snake. His ability to climb, he is a model of perseverance and prudence.

“The Moon and the Star”

symbol of love, loyalty, harmony

This symbol reflects the harmony that exists in the bond between a man and a woman. Proverb: “. Kyekye pe running ”(The North Star has a deep love for marriage She is still in the sky awaiting the return of the moon, her husband ..) -From The Adinkra Dictionary )

“By the grace of God all will be well”

symbol of hope, providence, faith

“Eagle's talons”

symbol of strength, courage, power

The eagle is the most powerful 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.

 "Love never loses its way home ”

symbol of the power of love

“Knot of wisdom”

symbol of wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence and patience

A particularly revered symbol of the Akan, this symbol conveys the idea that “a wise person has the capacity to choose the best way to achieve a goal. Being wise involves broad knowledge, learning and experience and the ability to apply these faculties for practical purposes. “(Willis,” The Adinkra Dictionary ")

“God is king”

symbol of majesty and the supremacy of God
Source: Fabric that metaphor by GF

Kojo Arthur

"By the grace of God"

symbol of faith and trust in God
according to the Adinkra Dictionary by W. Bruce Willis: “This rod is portrayed as the staff of life in many cultures. It symbolizes the Akan that food is a basis of life and that they could not survive if not for the food that God placed here on Earth for their food. “

“God never dies, so I can't die”

symbol of the omnipresence of God and the perpetual existence of the spirit of man

It means the immortality of the soul of man, which is believed to be a part of God, because the soul rests with God after death, he cannot die.

 “God is in the heavens”

symbol of hope A reminder that God's home
the place is in the sky, where he can hear all the prayers.

“Child of heaven [stars]”

symbol of guardianship A reminder that
God is the father and watch over all peoples.

 A type of hand-woven fabric

symbol of excellence, authenticity,
authenticity According to “The Adinkra Dictionary” by W. Bruce Willis, NSAA
symbols reflects a saying: “nea onnim NSAA oto n'ago”, which he translates as “Whoever does not know authentic Nsaa will buy the fakes. “The quality of Nsaa  has come to represent the quality of work in general.

"Torsion"

symbol of initiative, dynamism and versatility

Cross divisions made on adinkra fabric before stamping

symbol of skill, precision Before adinkra fabric is stamped with the symbols, artisans blocks off the canvas with lines in a rectangular grid using a comb with large teeth. This preparation is symbolic of the demanding technique that results in the product of the highest quality.

“Tree of God” - altar

symbol of the presence and protection of God. The Nyame Dua is a sacred place where rituals are performed. Erected in front of the
house or compound, it is made from a tree that has been cut down, where three or several branches meet. This stake holds a filled terracotta bladder with water and herbs or other symbolic materials for purification and blessing
rituals.

 "Chain link"

symbol of unity and human relations A reminder to
contribute to the community, that in unity is strength

 “The one who wants to be king”

symbol of service and leadershipexpression "Nea ope soi Obedi hene daakye pas, firi ase sue som ansa" means "the one whoever wants to be king in the future must first learn to serve. “

Source: Fabric that metaphor by
GF Kojo Arthur

“He who does not know cannot know about learning”

symbol of knowledge, lifelong education and the continuous quest for knowledge
Source: Fabric Like
metaphor by GF Kojo Arthur

“Five tufts” (of hair)

symbol of priestly function, loyalty and fingering “This symbol is said to be the hairstyle of joy. This is the
traditional hairdressing priestesses. The adinkra symbol design
mpuannum looks like the way the priestesses hair was tied up. It also represents devotion and fidelity a poster when doing a task necessary one. Also, mpuannum means loyalty or the embodiment of high
duty of a desired goal. "

 W. Bruce Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary

“Node of pacification / reconciliation”

symbol of reconciliation,
peace and pacification Mpatapo represents the bond or knot that binds
the parties to a dispute to a peaceful harmonious conciliation. It's a symbol
of peace after conflicts.

“What removes bad luck”

symbol of goodness and holiness fortune

“Time for change”

symbol of change, the dynamic

Source of life:cloth like metaphor by GF Kojo Arthur

“Wind resistant house”

symbol of courage and will to cope with life
the vicissitudes “

This symbol indicates a house armed or well built - a built
to withstand windy and treacherous conditions. It reflects in the Asante story a clause in the unwritten constitution of the Golden Stool. Oral related accounts say that according to this clause, mud houses in Kumasi need to be strengthened with grass. This reinforcement could cause the house to be more robust and resistant to adverse weather conditions. “

De The Adinkra Dictionary by W.
Bruce Willis

"I am going to marry you"

symbol of commitment, perseverance the expression "Nobody rushes into the task of mixing concrete for the construction of the wedding house ".

Check Fabric Like
metaphor by GF Kojo Arthur, pp. 89, 163.

“What I hear, I keep”

symbol of wisdom, knowledge and prudence implicit meaning of the phrase “Masie mate” is “I understand”. Understand
means wisdom and knowledge, but it also represents the caution to take in consider what the other person said.

“Hair style of an Asante war captain”

symbol of bravery and valor “This
symbols is said to be a particular style of Kwatakye's hair, a captain of the old war Asante. The symbol came to represent bravery and fearlessness. he is also given as a title earned to any brave son of an Akan community ”.

- W. Bruce Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary

“Inflated extravagance”

symbol of arrogance

 Symbol "good bed" of a good marriage From the expression that a woman who has a good marriage is said to sleep on a good bed.

Check Fabric Like
metaphor by GF Kojo Arthur, pp. 87-89

“What does not burn”

symbol of incorruptibility and endurance
This symbol derives its meaning from traditional priests who were able to walk on fire without burning their feet, a source of inspiration for others to endure and overcome difficulties.

"Measuring tool"

examination and quality control symbol This symbol stresses the need to fight for the best quality, be it in the production of goods or human enterprises.

“Except for God”

symbol of the supremacy of God This unique and Beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. This is by far the most popular, for use
in decoration, a reflection on the deeply religious character of Ghanaians people

“Siamese crocodiles”

symbol of democracy and unity The Siamese crocodiles leave a stomach, but they fight over the food. This popular symbol is
a reminder that infighting and tribalism is harmful to all who engage in it.

“Plant with yellow flowers”

symbol of jealousy and envy “When the fofo the petals fall, they turn into bristles like black. The Akan assimilate nature of this plant to a jealous person “

The Adinkra Dictionary by W. Bruce Willis.
There is an Akan proverb associated with this symbol: "What is the fofo plant?"
wish is that the seeds of gyinantwi turn black ”.

“House / compound”

symbol of safety and security typical of Akan (Asante) architecture, consisting of collective housing has only one entrance and exit.

 Symbol “independence” of independence, liberty, emancipation

“From the expression: Fawodhodie ène obre na enam. Literal translation:
"Independence comes with its responsibilities." 

De fabric as metaphor by
GF Kojo Arthur

 “Teeth and tongue”

symbol of friendship and interdependence
teeth and interdependent role play language in the mouth. They can enter
conflict, but they need to work together.

 "handcuffs"

symbol of law and justice, slavery and captivity Adolph
Agbo, in “Values ​​of Adinkra Symbols” notes that handcuffs were introduced in
Africa because of the slave trade, and later became popular among the leaders of
handcuff offenders of the law. “The symbol reminds offenders of the
intransigent nature of the law. However, it discourages all forms of slavery ”.

 "Fencing"

symbol of love, safety and home security for the Akan is a special place. A house that has a fence around it is considered an ideal residence. The fence symbolically separates and secures the family from the outside. Due to the safety and protection afforded by a fence, the symbol is also associated with the safety and security found in love.  
From Adinkra
Dictionnaire

 “Ram's horns”

symbol of humility with strength The ram is beating fiercely against an opponent, but he also humbly argues at showdown,
emphasizing that even the strong need to be humble.

 “Wooden comb”

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 kindness, love and care, while the second has a more literal interpretation, looking for better a and good hygiene. In any case, the duafe was a precious possession of the Akan woman, used to style and braid her hair.

 "Crocodile"

symbol of adaptability The crocodile lives in water,
still breathe air, which demonstrates an ABIL

"Nom of a board game ”

symbol of intelligence and ingenuity

 "Help me and let me help you ”

symbol of cooperation and interdependence

Source: “Cloth as metaphor” by
GF Kojo Arthur

 “No one should bite the other”

symbol of peace and harmony This symbol warns against provocation and conflict. The image is based on two fish biting
each other tails.

 “Bag of cola nuts”

symbol of wealth, power, abundance, abundance, friendliness and unity The cola nut has played an important role in economic development from Ghana life. A cash crop widely used, it is closely associated with wealth
and abundance. This symbol also represents the role of agriculture and trade in the rapprochement of peoples.

 "Fern"

symbol of endurance and resourcefulness. Fern is a hardy plant plant that can grow in difficult places. “A person who wears this symbol suggests that he endured many adversities and survived many hardships. "
(Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary )

 “The Earth has a weight”

symbol of providence and the divinity of Mother-Earth. This symbol represents the importance of the Earth in sustaining life.

 “Chief of Adinkra Symbols”

symbol of greatness,
charisma and leadership This symbol is said to have played an inspiring role in
the design of other symbols. it signifies the importance of playing a
leadership role.

 “War horn”

symbol of vigilance and mistrust Akoben is a horn used to utter a war cry.

 “Sword of war”

symbol of courage, bravery, heroism and cross swords were a popular motif in the coat of arms of many ancient Akan States. In addition to recognizing courage and bravery, swords can represent the legitimate authority of the state.

 “The leg of a hen”

symbol of nurturing and discipline The full name of this symbol translates to "The chicken steps on her chicks, but she does not kill
them. “This represents the ideal nature of parents, being both protective and correction. An exhortation to feed the children, but a warning not to spoil
them.

 "linked hearts ”

symbol of understanding and understanding

 "Spider web"

symbol of wisdom, creativity and complexities of life Anansi, the spider, is a well-known character in Africans tales.