African culture has always been full of various forms of art, like the Benin art from the ancient Edo empire to our subject for today, Adinkra. These arts, symbols and their meanings are a huge form that connects to not just culture, but also the ancient spirituality of the various ethnicities present in Africa.
Adinkra symbols originated in modern-day Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire from the Asante/Ashanti people who would print them on fabrics and inscribe them on pottery and metalwork according to how they related to their meanings.
These Adinkra symbols represent popular proverbs and maxims, record historical events, and express particular attitudes or behavior related to depicted figures, or concepts uniquely related to abstract shapes. Adikra symbols with meaning.
The word Adinkra means ‘farewell’ or ‘goodbye’ in Twi, and for this reason, the fabric called Adinkra cloth is mostly worn for special occasions, especially funerals. Traditionally, Adinkra cloth is hand woven and specially printed using calabash stamps.
The cultural implications and meaning of the Adinkra symbols have extended so much that it is now incorporated into modern art expressions such as tattoos, tourism merchandise like t-shirts, shorts, key holders, and sometimes, branding for organizations. The University of Ghana currently uses Adinkra iconography in its official logo and crest.
Need a little inspiration for your next tattoo or printable wear, we are sharing the loveliest Adinkra symbols and their interpretations to help you out.
Check out 35 Adinkra symbols and their meanings…
Odo Nnyew Fie Kwan
Symbol: Love does not miss its way home
Meaning: Those led by love will never lose their way.
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Akoma
Symbol: Heart
Meaning: A symbol of patience and tolerance.
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Nsoromma
Symbol: A Star
Meaning: Child of the heavens.
Tamfo Bebre
Symbol: The enemy will suffer
Meaning: A symbol connoting the awareness of ill-will, jealousy, and envy.
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Denkyem
Symbol: Crocodile
Meaning: A symbol of adaptability, cleverness.
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Duafe
Symbol: A wooden comb
Meaning: A symbol of beauty, hygiene, feminine qualities.
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Nyame Nnwu Na Mawu
Symbol: God never dies, therefore, I cannot die
Meaning: A symbol of the immortality of man (man’s soul).
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Sankofa
Symbol: Return and get it
Meaning: Learn from the past.
Dwennimmen
Symbol: Ram’s horns
Meaning: A symbol of strength and humility.
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Akoma Ntoaso
Symbol: Extension of the heart
Meaning: Charter, agreement.
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Abe Dua
Symbol: Palm tree
Meaning: A symbol of wealth, resourcefulness, and self-sufficiency.
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Nyame Dua
Symbol: God’s tree (sacred stump)
Meaning: A symbol of God’s presence and protection.
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Akoben
Symbol: War horn
Meaning: A symbol of vigilance and wariness.
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Kuronti Ne Akwamu
Symbol: Kuronti and Akwamu
Meaning: A symbol of democracy, sharing ideas, taking council.
Akokonan
Symbol: Leg of a hen
Meaning: A symbol of nurturing coupled with discipline.
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Hwemudua
Symbol: Measuring rod (investigation rod)
Meaning: A symbol of high quality and excellence.
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Mpatapo
Symbol: Pacification knot
Meaning: A symbol of pacification, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Okuafo Pa
Symbol: Good farmer
Meaning: A symbol of diligence, hard work, entrepreneurship.
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Nkonsonnkonson
Symbol: Chain
Meaning: A symbol of unity, community.
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Sepow
Symbol: Executioner’s knife
Meaning: A symbol of justice
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Menso Wo Kenten
Symbol: I am not carrying your basket
Meaning: A symbol of industry, self-reliance, and economic self-determination.
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Nea Onnim
Symbol: He who does not know.
Meaning: A symbol of knowledge and learning.
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Funtumfunafu Denkyemfunafu
Symbol: Conjoined crocodiles
Meaning: A symbol of unity in diversity given a common destiny; sharing.
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Mframadan
Symbol: Well-ventilated house
Meaning: A symbol of resilience and readiness to face the vicissitudes of life.
Osram Ne Nsoromma
Symbol: Moon and star
Meaning: A symbol of faithfulness, fidelity.
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Woforo Dua Pa A
Symbol: When you climb a good tree
Meaning: A symbol of support for good causes.
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Gye Nyame
Symbol: Except for God
Meaning: A symbol expressing the omnipotence of God.
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Bese Saka
Symbol: Sack of cola nuts
Meaning: A symbol of affluence, power, and abundance.
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Mpuannum
Symbol: Five tufts (of hair)
Meaning: A symbol of loyalty and priestly office.
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Epa
Symbol: Handcuffs
Meaning: A symbol of slavery, law, and order.
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Mmere Dane
Symbol: Time changes
Meaning: A symbol of the temporariness of good times.
Nkyinkyim
Symbol: Twisting
Meaning: A symbol depicting the twists and turns in the journey of life.
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Nteasee
Symbol: Understanding
Meaning: A symbol of understanding and cooperation.
Adinkrahene
Symbol: King of Adinkra symbols
Meaning: A symbol of leadership and charisma.
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Owuo Atwedee
Symbol: The ladder of death
Meaning: A symbol of the certainty and universality of death.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram | Kika Osunde
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