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THE HISTORY OF ADINKRA CLOTH ADINKRA PICTURE GALLERY 110 BOLD GRAPHIC ADINKRA SYMBOLS PRONUNCIATIONS & MEANINGS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. The History Of Adinkra Cloth The History Of Adinkra Cloth (Continued) Adinkra Picture Gallery 1 Adinkra Picture Gallery 2 Adinkra Picture Gallery 3 Aban - Great Fortress Abode Santann - All Seeing Eye Abusua Pa - Good Family Adinkrahene - King Of Adinkra Symbols Adwo - Peace or Serenity Agyin Dawuru - Agyins Gong Akoben - War Horn Akofena - State Swords Akoko Nan - Hens Feet Akoma - Heart Akoma Ntoaso - Joined Hearts Akwaaba - Welcome Ananse Ntontan - Spiders Web Ani Bre A Enso Gya - Red Eyes Cant Spark Flames Anyi Me Aye A - If You Will Not Praise Me Asaawa - Sweet Berry Asaase Ye Duro - The Earth Has Weight Asetena Pa - Good Living Awurade Baatanfo - God The Mother Aya - Fern Bese Saka - Bunch Of Cola Nuts Boafo Ye Na - Willing Helper Dame Dame - Board Game Donno - Bell Drum Donno Ntoaso - Talking Drum Duafe - Wooden Comb Dwennimmen - Rams Horns Eban - Fence Epa - Handcuffs Ese Ne Tekremah - Teeth And Tongue Esono Anantam - Elephants Footprint Fafanto - Butterfly Fihankra - Compound House Fofoo Aba - Fofoo Plant Seed Funtummireku Denkyemmireku - Two-Headed Crocodile Gyawu Atiko - War Heros Hair Style Gye Nyame - Except God Gye WAni - Enjoy Yourself Hwehwemudua - Measuring Rod Hye Wo Nhye - Unburnable Kokuromotie - Thumb Kramo Bone - Bad Mohammedan Kuntunkantan - Inflated Pride Kuronti Ne Akwamu - Power And Balance Kyemfere - Potsherds Mako Nyinaa - All Peppers Mate Masie - I Understand You Mekyia Wo - I Salute You Mframadan - House Built to Withstand Strong Wind Mmara Krado - Seal Of Law Mo No Yo - Congratulations Mpatapo - Reconciliation Knot Mpuankron - Nine Tufts Of Hair 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 108. 109. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. Mpuannum - Five Tufts Of Hair Mrammuo - Crossing Paths Musuyidee - Good Fortune Nante Yie - Goodbye Nea Onnim - Quest For Knowledge Nkonsonkonson - Chain Link Nkotimsefo Mpua - Court Attendants Hair Style Nkrabea - Destiny Nkuruma Kesee - Big Okra Nkyimu - Crossing Paths Nkyinkyin - Twistings Nnampo Pa Baanu - Two Good Friends Nokore - Truth Nsaa - Hand Woven Fabric Nsa Ko, Na Nsa Aba - Hand Go, Hand Come Nserewa - Cowry Shells Nsoroma - Star Nya Gyidie - Have Faith Nyame Biribi Wo Soro - God Is With Me Nyame Dua - Gods Alter Nyame Nti - By Gods Grace Nyame Nwu Na Mawu - God Help Me Reach It Nyame Ye Ohene - God Is King Nyansapo - Wisdom Knot Obaatan Awaamu - Warm Embrace Of Mother Obi Nka Bi - Bite Not Each Other Obohemmaa - Diamond Odenkyem - Crocodile Odo Nyera Fie Kwan - Love Guides You Home Ohene Adwa - Kings Stool Ohene Aniwa - Kings Eyes Ohene Kra Konmunde - Royal Soul Pendant Ohene Kye - Kings Crown Ohene Kyiniie - Kings Umbrella Ohene Papa - Good King Okodee Mmowere - Eagals Talon Osiadan Nyame - God The Builder Osram Ne Nsoroma - Moon And Star Otumfuo Wuo Ye Ya - The King Is Gone Owia A Repue - Rising Sun Owo Foro Adobe - Snake Climbing Palm Owuo Atwedee - Ladder Of Death Pagya - Strikes Fire Pempamsie - Prepared For Action Sankofa - Learn From The Past Sepo - Executioners Knife Sesa Woruban - I Transform My Life Som Onyankopon - Worship God Sunsum - Soul Tabono - Oars Tamfo Bebre - Jealous Enemy Ti Koro Nko Agyina - One Head Is Not A Council Tumi Te Se Kusua - Power Is Like An Egg Tuo Ne Akofena - Gun And State Sword Wawa Aba - Wawa Tree Seed Wo Nsa Da Mu A - If Your Hands Are In The Dish Yebehyia Bio - We Shall Meet Again References / About The Author
dinkra (ah-deen-krah) cloth has been produced for hundreds of years by the Asante (ah-shan-tay) people of Ghana in the city of Ntonso, a major center for Adinkra cloth production. Adinkra is an ancient African writing system created by the Asante, an Akan (ah-kahn) - meaning the first people ethnic group, who live in the central part of Ghana. Ghana is named after the Empire, which once existed in part of the Sahara region of Africa. The Ghana Empire was later defeated by the Mali Empire. The people of the defeated Ghana Empire moved south to West Africa where the modern country of Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast, is found. It was called the Gold Coast because gold was found there and used in trade. It has been suggested that the art of Adinkra came from Gyaman, Cte d'lvoire (the Ivory Coast). Early in the nineteenth century. King Adinkera of Gyaman, tried to copy the sacred Golden Stool of the Asante. The Golden Stool was the unifying force of the Asante Nation. This sacrilegious attempt angered the Asantehene, the Asante King Nana Osei Bonsu-Panyin. Adinkera was defeated and killed in the war. The cloth that King Adinkera wore in battle was taken by the Asante as a trophy. With the cloth, the Asante brought with them the art of stamping cloth. It is also significant that Adinkra means farewell, or saying good-bye to one another when parting, hence the use of the special cloth on funeral occasions (eyie). Another version of its origins by local printers who say that the patterns were created by the first men to make the cloth, and that the symbols have been passed down through the generations, some changing, and some staying the same.
dinkra symbol designs may have been originally painted on the cloth at first. Today, designs are stamped onto dyed and embroidered cloth which will be used for both funerals and other special occasions. Individuals will commission a cloth from established artists who will use various information about the client to determine the appropriate symbol or combination of symbols he will use to produce a beautiful cloth. Adinkra cloth communicates through a language of symbols. The symbols themselves are closely related to Asante cosmology. Adinkra stamps encompass more than five hundred different motifs. Some design motifs are associated with traditional sayings, proverbs, parables, and anansesem (folk stories), which have special meanings such as unity, patience, and fearlessness. A chief on a mission of peace might wear clothing printed with the symbol - Obi Nka Bi Bite not each other, avoid conflicts. Its a message conveying harmony, peace, forgiveness, and unity. Some designs are inspired by plants or animals. Still others are based on philosophical concepts inspired by celestial bodies, such as the moon and stars.
irst the cloth is embroidered with colorful stitches called kurkruboo. When the cloth is ready to stamp, the artist stretches it on the ground and secures it. With an instrument resembling a comb, called nsensan dua, he draws the lines that divide the cloth into square fields, in which he stamps the symbols by dipping the stamps in ink and imprinting them on the cloth. Adinkera aduro (Adinkera medicine) is the ink used in the stamping process. It is prepared by boiling the bark of the badee tree (bah-dee) together with iron slag. It is placed into a large makeshift barrel. Water is poured over the bark until it is completely covered. The bark is allowed to soften for several days. Thereafter, it is sieved and dried. Using mortar and pestle, the remaining bark is ground into a fine powder. The fine granules are placed into kettles of water and boiled for hours, and subsequently sieved to remove undesired particles and to extract the rich dark liquid. Originally the printing was done on a cotton piece lying on the ground. Today, raised platforms with sack coverings act as the printing table.
T C
he stamps are carved from apakyiwa (calabash) a dried, gourd-like fruit attached to handles made of bamboo strips. Adinkra artists often carve their own stamps; but they also commission stamps from carvers known for their expertise. Well established Adinkra artists may have hundreds of stamps, which they often lend to less experienced artists. About one hundred stamps - some designs two hundred years old - are still in regular use today. Adinkra clothes, worn for serious occasions and at funerals, are essential to Asante mourning rituals. Adinkra cloth reflects truths shared in life and death. The Asante wear Adinkra clothes of different colors for specific periods during funerals. The mourning process, which can take up to a year, is followed by annual ceremonies that commemorates the departed. These stamped clothes, traditionally worn in red russet, dark brown, or blue-black, express the grief of the bereaved; but such clothes are now used for many different occasions. Clothes for men are six yards long; those for women are four yards. lothes worn by the king and other royalty are much larger than those worn by the general public. The artists that create Adinkra cloth for royalty live and work in Awokwa, a suburb of Kumase. Royal clothes have been created here for centuries. The abanesehene, the man responsible for the selection and care of the kings clothing, determines the stamp or combination of stamps that are appropriate for a specific occasion. He selects the unstamped cloth as well. In the past, artists used a heavy woven fabric from northern Ghana for Adinkra cloth. Today the traditional cloth colors have been expanded to include blue, lavender, yellow, and turquoise, more likely to be worn for special occasions than for funerals. Adinkra designs serve two purposes: they convey a message when scene on clothing and enhance the beauty of the cloth. There are hundreds of Adinkra designs, many more than are represented here. Today Adinkra cloth is not only used by the Asante alone but all peoples in Ghana. The symbols are not only used in ceremonial cloth; but are also used in architecture, sculpture, ceramics, and other artistic designs.
Obi Nka Bi Bite not each other, avoid conflicts Symbol of harmony, peace, forgiveness, and unity.
(oh-bee en-kah bee)
Musuyidee
(moo-shoo-yee-deh)
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Wearing Obi Nka Bi and Musuyidee Adinkra Symbols.
Sankofa Stamp
Funtummireku-Denkyemmireku Stamp
Musuyidee Stamp
Dwennimmen Stamp
Sunsum Stamp
Aban
(ah-bahn)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
6
Great Fortress Symbol of the seat of political power, state authority, and prosperity.
Abode Santann The all seeing eye of the Divine Creator Symbol of the totality of the universe.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
7
(ah-boh-deh sahn-tahn)
Abusua Pa Good Family Symbol of family unity, kinship ties, clan loyalty, and family support.
(ah-boo-shoo-ah pah) Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
8
Adinkrahene
(ah-deen-krah-hay-nay)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
9
King of the Adinkra Symbols Symbol of authority, greatness, prudence, firmness, and magnanimity.
Adwo Peace or Serenity Symbol of peace, serenity, continuity, and spiritual coolness.
(ah-dwoh) Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
10
Agyin Dawuru
(ah-jeen dah-woo-roo)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
11
Akoben
(ah-koh-bin)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
12
War Horn Symbol of a call to collective action, military readiness, and valor.
Akofena
(ah-koh-fay-nah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
13
State Ceremonial Swords Symbol of State authority, legitimacy, legality, and heroic deeds.
Akoko Nan
(ah-koh-koh nahn)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
14
Hens Feet Symbol of parental protection and discipline tempered with love.
(ah-koh-mah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
Akoma Ntoaso
(ah-koh-mah en-toh-ah-soh)
Joined Hearts Symbol of agreement, togetherness, and unity in thought and in deed.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
16
Akwaaba
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
17
(ah-kwah-ah-bah)
Ananse Ntontan
(ah-nahn-say en-tohn-tahn)
The Spiders Web Symbol of wisdom, craftiness, creativity, and the complexities of life.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
18
Ani Bre A Enso Gya Red eyes cant spark flames Symbol of patience, self-control, and discipline.
19
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
Anyi Me Aya A
(ahn-yee may ah-yah ah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
20
If you will not praise me Symbol of warning against ingratitude and devaluation of ones name.
Asaawa
(ah-sah-ah-wah)
Asaase Ye Duro
The Earth has Weight Symbol of the divinity and providence of Mother Earth.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
22
Asetena Pa
(ah-say-tay-nah pah)
Good living Makes one forget their humble beginnings. Symbol of prosperity, wealth, conspicuous spending, and upper social class.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
23
Awurade Baatanfo
(ah-woo-rah-day bah-ah-tahn-foh)
God the Mother Symbol of the nurturing spirit and female attributes of the Devine Creator.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
24
(ah-yah)
Bese Saka Bunch of Kola Nuts Symbol of affluence, power, abundance, togetherness, and unity.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
26
(bay-say sah-kah)
Boafo Ye Na
(boh-ah-foh yeh nah)
Dame Dame
(dah-may dah-may)
Donno
(Dohn-noh)
Donno Ntoaso
(dohn-noh en-toh-ah-soh)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
30
Duafe
(doo-ah-feh)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
31
Wooden Comb Symbol of good feminine qualities, patience, prudence, love, and care.
Dwennimmen
(djwin-neem-mahn)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
32
Rams Horns The ram may bully, not with its horns; but with its heart. Symbol of strength and humility.
Eban
(eh-bahn)
Epa
(eh-pah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
34
Handcuffs Symbol of bondage, state power, law and order, and a reminder of the ills of slavery.
Ese Ne Tekrema
(eh-seh nay teh-kreh-mah)
Teeth and Tongue Symbol of interdependence, cooperation, unity, growth, development, and improvement.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
35
Esono Anantam
(eh-soh-noh ah-nahn-tahm)
Fafanto
(Fah-fahn-toh)
Fihankra
(fee-haun-krah)
Fofoo Aba
(foh-foo ah-bah)
Funtummireku-Denkyemmireku
Two-Headed Crocodile Sharing a common stomach. Symbol of unity, cultural diversity, democracy, and the oneness of the human family.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
40
(foon-toom-mee-reh-koo din-chim-mee-reh-koo)
Gyawu Atiko Hair Style of Gyawu Symbol of the war hero, bravery, fearlessness, and valor.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
41
(jah-woo ah-tee-koh)
Gye Nyame
(jeh nyah-may)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
42
Gye WAni Enjoy Yourself Symbol of the joy of living, rejoicing, happiness, and merriment.
43
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
Hwehwemudua
(scheweb-scheweb-moo-doo-ah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
44
Hye Wo Nhye
(shee woh en-shee)
Kokuromotie
(koh-koo-roh-moh-tee-uh)
Kramo Bone
(krah-moh boh-neh)
Bad Mohammedan Makes it difficult for a good one to be recognized. Symbol of a warning against deception and hypocrisy.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
47
Kuntunkantan
(koon-toon-kahn-tahn)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
48
Inflated Pride Do not boast or brag. Symbol of warning against pride and arrogance.
Kuronti Ne Akwamu
(koo-rohn-tee nay ah-kwah-moo)
The two complementary branches of the State Symbol of democracy and balance of power.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
49
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
50
Potsherds Symbol depicts the belief that experience and wisdom come with age.
Kyemfere
(chim-fay-reh)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
51
All Peppers Do not ripen at the same time. Symbol of unequal opportunity and uneven developement.
Mako Nyinaa
(mah-koh en-yee-nah-ah)
Mate Masie
(mah-teh mah-see-yeh)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
52
I have heard what you have said Symbol of wisdom, knowledge, prudence, and thoughtfulness.
Mekyia Wo
(meh-chee-ah woh)
Mframadan
(em-frahm-ah-dahn)
A house built to withstand strong wind Symbol of fortitude, security, family unity, and spiritual protection.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
54
Mmara Krado
(em-mah-rah krah-doh)
Mo No Yo
Mpatapo
(em-pah-tah-poh)
Mpuankron
(em-poo-ahn-krohn)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
58
Nine Tufts of Hair From the Council of Elders. Symbol of participatory democracy, warning against dictatorial rule, and plurality of ideas.
Mpuannum
(em-poo-ahn-noom)
Five Tufts of Hair From the Kings Attendants. Symbol of spiritual loyalty, priestly office, and adroitness.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
59
Mrammuo
(em-rahm-moo-oh)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
60
Crossing Paths Symbol of the realities of life; its challenges and its balances.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
61
Musuyidee Good Fortune or Sanctity Symbol of good luck and spiritual strength.
(moo-shoo-yee-deh)
Nante Yie
(nahn-tay yee-uh)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
62
Nea Onnim
(nay-ah ohn-neem)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
63
One person cannot know all things Symbol of the quest for knowledge and the pursuit of life-long learning.
Nkonsonkonson
(corn-song-corn-song)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
64
Chain Link People are linked in life and death. Symbol of unity and brotherhood.
Nkotimsefo Mpua Hair style of court attendants Symbol of service and loyalty.
65
(en-koh-teem-seh-foh em-poo-ah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
Nkrabea
(en-krah-beh-ah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
66
Nkuruma Kesee
(en-koo-roo-mah keh-seh)
Nkyimu
(en-chee-moo)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
68
Crossed Divisions Made on cloth before its printing. Symbol of precision and adroitness.
Nkyinkyin
(en-cheen-cheen)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
69
Nnampo Pa Baanu
Nokore
(noh-koh-reh)
Nsaa
(en-sah-ah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
72
Hand Go, Hand Come Symbol of cooperative action and concerted action.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
73
Nserewa Cowry Shells Symbol of wealth, affluence, currency, power, and spirituality.
74
(en-seh-reh-wah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
Nsoroma Star A child of the heavens. Symbol of patronage and loyalty to the supreme being.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
75
(en-soh-roh-mah)
Nya Gyidie
(en-yah jee-dee-uh)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
Nyame Dua
(en-yah-may doo-ah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
78
Nyame Nti
(en-yah-may en-tee)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
79
By Gods Grace Symbol of the trust and blessing of God the Creator.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
80
I live not when God is not Symbol of the omnipotence and omnipresence of God, and the perpetual guiding spirit of our ancestors.
Nyame Ye Ohene
(en-yah-may yeh oh-hay-nay)
God is King Symbol of the majesty, supremacy, and preeminence of God the Creator.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
81
Nyansapo
(en-yahn-sah-poh)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
82
Wisdom Knot Only the wise leaders know how to unravel it. Symbol of wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence, and patience.
Obaatan Awaamu
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
83
(oh-bah-ah-tahn ah-wah-ah-moo)
Obi Nka Bi
(oh-bee en-kah bee)
Bite not each other, avoid conflicts Symbol of harmony, peace, forgiveness, and unity.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
84
Obohemmaa
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
85
(oh-bow-hem-mah-ah)
Odenkyem
(oh-din-chim)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
Ohene Adwa
(oh-hay-nay ah-dwah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
88
Kings Stool Symbol of the State, royal authority, and political power.
Ohene Aniwa
(oh-hay-nay ah-nee-wah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
89
Kings Eye The King has lots of eyes and nothing is hidden from him. Symbol of royal vigilance.
Royal Soul Pendant Symbol of God, ancestral spirit, royal leadership, and the people.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
90
Ohene Kye
(oh-hay-nay chi)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
91
Ohene Kyiniie
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
92
(oh-hay-nay chee-nee-uh)
Ohene Papa
(oh-hay-nay pah-pah)
Okodee Mmowere
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
94
(oh-koh-dee em-moh-way-reh)
Osiadan Nyame
(oh-see-ah-dahn en-yah-may)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
95
God the Builder Symbol of God the Builder and Creator of the World.
Osram Ne Nsoroma
(oh-srahm nay en-soh-roh-mah)
Moon and Star Symbol of love, faithfulness, loyalty, harmony, benevolence, and femininity.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
96
Otumfuo Wuo Ye Ya
(oh-toom-foo-oh woo-oh yeh yah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
97
The Most Powerful is Gone Symbol carved to commemorate the passing away of King Otumfuo Opoku Ware ll.
Owia A Repue
(oh-wee-ah ah ray-poo-yeh)
Rising Sun Symbol of progress, renewal, developement, warmth, vitality, and energy.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
98
Snake climbing the raffia palm Symbol of ingenuity, cleverness, and persistence.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
99
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
100
Owuo Atwedee Ladder of Death Will be climbed by all. Symbol of mortality and the inevitable consequence of life.
(oh-woo-oh ah-tweh-deh)
Pagya
(pah-jah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
101
Strikes Fire To strike with flint or make fire. Symbol of bravery, defence, gunners, and power.
Pempamsie
(pehm-pahm-see-yeh)
Sankofa
(sang-koh-fah)
Go back to fetch it Symbol of the wisdom of learning from the past to build for the future.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
103
Sepo
(say-poh)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
104
Executioners Knife Symbol of justice, the law, punisment, and immunity of the office of justice.
Sesa Woruban
(say-sah woh-roo-bahn)
Som Onyankopon
(sohm oh-en-yahn-koh-pohn)
Sunsum
(soon-soom)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
107
Tabono
(tah-boh-noh)
Tamfo Bebre
(tahm-foh beh-breh)
Jealous Enemy The enemy will stew in his own juice. Symbol of jealousy, envy, and insecurity.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
109
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
110
One head does not constitute a council Symbol of democracy. power sharing, consultation, and discussion.
Tumi Te Se Kosua
(too-mee tay say koh-shoo-ah)
Power is like an egg Symbol of the fragility of political power, democracy, and the use of restraint.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
111
Tuo Ne Akofena
(too-oh nay ah-koh-fay-nah)
Gun and State Sword Symbol of power, responsibility, authority, legitimacy, national security, protection, and military prowess.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
112
Wawa Aba
(wah-wah ah-bah)
Wo Nsa Da Mu A
(woh en-sah da moo ah)
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
114
If your hands are in the dish Symbol of participatory government, democracy, and pluralism.
Yebehyia Bio
(yeh-bay-shee-ah bee-oh)
We Shall Meet Again Symbol of farewell or parting greeting expressed towards family, friends, and loved ones.
Adinkra Cloth Symbol Akan People Ghana and the Ivory Coast West Africa
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Dr. George F. Kojo Arthur and Robert Rowe Marshall University, Huntington, WV Akan Cultural Symbols Project http://www.cfiks.org/akanart/akanartproject.htm Dr. George F. Kojo Arthur Cloth As Metaphor Legon, Ghana Published by CEFIKS, Inc. 2001 Duncan Clarke and Kemi Clarke Adire African Textiles http://www.adireafricantextiles.com/adinkraintroduction.htm Published by Duncan Clarke 2004 Jean MacDonald West African Wisdom: Adinkra Symbols & Meanings Portland, OR http://www.welltempered.net/adinkra/htmls/adinkra/akon.htm Published by Well-Tempered Web Design 2001-2004 Dr. Kwaku Ofori-Ansa, Howard University, Washington, DC Meanings of Symbols in Adinkra Cloth (Wall Chart) Hyttsville, MD Published by Sankofa Edu-Cultural Publications 1999 Claire Polakoff Into Indigo, African Textiles and Dyeing Techniques Garden City, NY Published by Anchor Books 1980 Christine Price Made in West Africa New York, NY Published by E. P. Dutton & Company, Inc. 1975 W. Bruce Willis The Adinkra Dictionary A Visual Primer on The Language of Adinkra Washington, DC Published by The Pyramid Complex 1998
http://www.amazon.com/Adinkra-dictionary-visual-primer-language/dp/0966153200/ref=pd_sim_dbs_m_22
References
Aaron Mobley received his BS Degree in Art Education from Central Connecticut State University. He presently is a visual artist http://www.flickr.com/photos/avmobley who teaches Fine Arts, Computer Graphics, and African Art History at the Artists Collective, Inc., located in Hartford, Connecticut. http://www.artistscollective.org Adinkra Cloth Symbols Chart: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3035/2927423965_18e4e0bb0b_o.jpg
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