It is the web of Ananse, the crafty spider who is preeminent in African folklore. A symbol of wisdom, craftiness, creativity, and the complexities of life. A symbol of love, goodwill, patience, faithfulness, fondness, endurance, and consistency. An amplification of the concept of Akoma. A symbol of agreement, togetherness and unity or a charter. A symbol for discipline coupled with care and nurturing from the Akan proverb, “Akoko nan tia ba na enkum ba,” literally, “The foot of a hen steps on the child (chick) but it doesn't kill the child (chick).” Ghana's coat of arms shows one of these ceremonial swords crossed with a linguist's staff in its top left quadrant. A symbol of state authority, legality, the legitimized authority of a ruler, recognition of gallantry of heroic deeds. A symbol of a call to action, readiness to be called to action, readiness, and voluntarismĪ sword of war (or the state ceremonial swords). Designed to commemorate the faithfulness of one Agyin who was a dutiful servant and gong-beater of the Asantehene. A symbol of faithfulness, alertness, and dutifulness. A symbol for peace, tranquility, and quietĪgyin's gong. A symbol of wealth, resourcefulness, and self-sufficiencyĬalmness. A symbol of strength, seat of power, authority, and magnificence A symbol of adaptability and clevernessįortress (or castle). Those led by love always end up in the right place.Ĭrocodile. A symbol representing the tortuous nature of life's journey. A symbol of unity in diversity giving a common destiny sharing from the proverb, "Funtumfrafu denkyemfrafu, wowo yafunu koro nanso wonya biribi a wofom efiri se aduane no de no yete no wo menetwitwie mu," to wit, Funtumfrafu and Denkyemfrafu share a stomach but when they get something (food) they strive over it because the sweetness of the food is felt as it passes through the throat. This symbol features prominently in the logo of the University of Ghana, Ghana's first and largest university.Ĭonjoined crocodiles. A symbol of strength (in mind, body, and soul), humility, wisdom, and learning.
Adinkrahene is reportedly the inspiration for the design of the other symbols. Also a symbol for qualities associated with kings. A symbol for authority, leadership, and charisma. From the Akan proverb, "Se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri," meaning, "It is not taboo to go back for what you forgot (or left behind)." A symbol of the wisdom of learning from the past to build for the future. It is featured on Ghana's largest-denomination banknote, the 200 cedi note. Probably the most popular Adinkra symbol. A symbol expressing the omnipotence of God. List of Adinkra Symbols and Meanings No.Įxcept God. As an example, the fact that most universities in Ghana use at least one Adinkra symbol in their logo demonstrates the gravitas their use has come to symbolize. Saturated with meaning, these symbols have come to symbolize the richness of Akan culture and serve as a shorthand for communicating deep truths in visual form. Originating from the Gyaman people of Ghana and la Côte d’Ivoire, the symbols have assumed global importance and are now found in logos, clothes, furniture, sculpture, earthenware pots, and many others. Adinkra are visual symbols with historical and philosophical significance originally printed on cloth which royals wore to important ceremonies.
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