Adinkra Symbols & Meanings

We have used Adinkra symbols to represent the pages within this website.

Adinkra symbols where developed by the peoples of Ghana and Cote' d'lvoire for use in decorating fanbric and can be traced back to the 17th century. Over time, the number of symbols grew. In modern times, they have been used for every-day wear, as well as for special occasions.

The word "adinkra" means goodbye because originally clothes adorned with Adinkra symbols were only worn during ceremonies to honor the dead. The symbols worn on the mourner's clothing expressed the qualities attributed to the deceased.

The symbols are created by cutting a stamp out of the thick skin of a calabash gourd. The stamp is dipped in dye, made from tree bark, and then repeatedly pressed onto cloth to create patterns.

Adinkra cloth provides a remarkable display of the values of the Ashante people, developed over many generations. The tradition continues to flourish in Ghana, today.

Each adinkra symbol has a unique name and meaning derived either from a proverb, a historical event, human attitude, animal behavior, plant life, forms and shapes of inanimate and man-made objects. Their meanings of motifs may be categorized as follows: Aesthetics, Ethics, Human Relations and Religious concepts. We have chosen apropriate symbols for each section of this website

see the meanings of the Adinkra symbls we have used below

	NSOROMMA " child of the heavens [stars] " symbol of guardianship A reminder that God is the father and watches over all people.
	NKYINKYIM " twisting" symbol of initiative, dynamism and versatility
	GYE NYAME " except for 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
	AKOMA NTOSO " linked hearts" symbol of understanding and agreement
	SEPOW "The dagger or executioner's knife" Symbol of justice and punishment.
	NKONSONKONSON " chain link" symbol of unity and human relations A reminder to contribute to the community, that in unity lies strength
	ESE NE TEKREMA " the teeth and the tongue" 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.

Copyright 2006 Colour Of Life