ADINKRA SYMBOLS

Generally, it is the nature of the Ghanaian to choose cloths with color and motifs that bear symbolic meanings. Frequently, we want to wear cloths which signify the feeling of particular occasions. there are costumes for joyful occasions, such as festivals, Durban, out-dooring of children, puberty and initiation rites and marriage ceremonies.Sad occasions such as funerals require the wearing of different costumes.
For example, joyful occasions are often associated with with white and gray colors, while funerals and mourning activities go with colors ranging from dark red or blue through brown to black. When a person wears dark red or brown (burnt sienna) cloth, it is a sign that he has just lost a close relative. The color signifies a deep feeling of melancholy. A black or indigo-blue cloth (birsi) shows prolonged grief over the death of a loved person such as a mother, father, son, daughter, husband or wife.Very often, the  fabrics have motifs which are proverbial symbols. The names given to these symbols indicate their significance. In most cases the meanings are associated with the day-to-day activities of the societies. They express the general beliefs and ideals of the people. this motifs are know as the ADINKORA SYMBOLS, and they are usually stamped all over the surface of the cloth. Adinkora means 'saying goodbye'. In the past, the final stages of royal funerals were marked by wearing adinkora mourning cloths. Today, adinkora is used for all funerals, irrespective of the rank of the deceased person. The significance  of the adinkora is to bib farewell to the spirit of the dead.

NYAME DUA. (Gods Tree)

Symbol of the presence of and God’s protection God.

Note: A large tree up to 120ft (36m) with high narrow buttresses, leave in whorls of 4-7 at each node and flowers small and white. The wood is white with slight yellowish tinge, soft and of uniform texture. It is suitable for light carpentry.  It is used locally for wooden shoes, carving logs, plates, spoons, stools, bowls and drums. The roots bark, and leaves are used externally for rheumatism. The bark is used for sore and ulcers in Ghana, a bark decoration are used after childbirth to assist the delivery of the placenta.

DWENIN MMEN:

(Rams horn) Symbol of strength and humility.

Prov. “Dwenini ye asisle a ode nakoma na ennye ne mmen.

(The ram may bull, not with its horns but his heart).

NYAME NTI (Since God exists)

Depicts leave on its stalk. Symbol of faith and trust in God. 
Prov. “Nyame Nti, menwe wura,
(since God Exists, I will not feed on leaves.) 

NYKYIMU (crossed divisions made on cloth before printing)

Symbols of precision and adroitness.

AKOFENA (State ceremonial sword)

Symbol of State Authority, Legitimacy, Legality and Heroic Deed.

 

OHENE ANIWA (The joined or united heart)

Symbol of togetherness and unity in thought and deed.

 

ANASE NTONTAN (The spider’s web)

Symbol of wisdom, craftiness, creativity and complexities of life.

ASASE YE DURU (The earth is heavy)  
Symbol of providence and the divinity of Mother Earth.
Prov.  ASase ye duru se po.” (The earth is heavier then the sea).  

AYA (Fern)

Symbol of Endurance, Defiance against Difficulties, 
Hardiness, perseverance, Independence and resourcefulness. 

 

BESE KASA (Bunch of cola nuts))

 SYMBOL OF Affluence, power, Abundance, Togetherness and Unity

OBI-NKA-OBI

This literally means bit not one another or avoid conflict; 
therefore it is a symbol of unity.

ODEMKYYEM (Crocodile)

 Symbol of propriety and prudence.

Prov. “odemkyem da nsuo mu nso ohome mframma.” 

The crocodile live in water yet it breathes air, not water.

DUAFE (The wooden comb)

Symbol of good feminine qualities: patient, prudence, fondness, love and care.

FOFO (Seed of a plant)

Symbol of warning against jealousy and covetousness. 

Prov. “se nea Fofo pe ne se gyinatwi abo bidie.”

What the plant fofo always wishes is that the seed

of gynatwi plant should turn dark.

 

EFI-HANKRA (Enclosed and securd compound house)

Symbol of safety, security, Brotherhood and Solidarity.

 

SENE TEKREMA

(The teeth and the tongue) Symbol of growth and interdependence.

EPA (Handcuffs)

 Symbol of the Law and justice,

Prov. “ Nea nepa da wonsa no na woye nakoa.”   

You are the subject of him whose handcuffs are around your hands

 

EBAN (Fence)

Symbol of safety, Security and Love.