adinkra cloth symbols - asante wisdom
DESCRIPTION
Adinkra Cloth Symbols - Asante Wisdom 110 Adinkra cloth symbols with a brief history of the Adinkra Cloth and an image gallery of Adinkra clothes and stamps, and a resource list with links to more information on Adinkra cloth and African textiles. © Aaron Mobley - Heart of Afrika DesignsTRANSCRIPT
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ADINKRACLOTH
SYMBOLS
Published by
http://www.flickr.com/photos/avmobley ©Aaron Mobley
Hartford, [email protected]
All rights reserved.No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
● THE HISTORY OF ADINKRA CLOTH● ADINKRA PICTURE GALLERY
● 110 BOLD GRAPHIC ADINKRA SYMBOLS● PRONUNCIATIONS & MEANINGS
ASANTE WISDOM
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TABLE OF CONTENTSThe History Of Adinkra ClothThe History Of Adinkra Cloth (Continued)Adinkra Picture Gallery 1Adinkra Picture Gallery 2Adinkra Picture Gallery 3Aban - Great FortressAbode Santann - All Seeing EyeAbusua Pa - Good FamilyAdinkrahene - King Of Adinkra SymbolsAdwo - Peace or SerenityAgyin Dawuru - Agyin’s GongAkoben - War HornAkofena - State SwordsAkoko Nan - Hen’s FeetAkoma - HeartAkoma Ntoaso - Joined HeartsAkwaaba - WelcomeAnanse Ntontan - Spider’s Web Ani Bre A Enso Gya - Red Eyes Can’t Spark FlamesAnyi Me Aye A - If You Will Not Praise MeAsaawa - Sweet BerryAsaase Ye Duro - The Earth Has WeightAsetena Pa - Good LivingAwurade Baatanfo - God The MotherAya - FernBese Saka - Bunch Of Cola NutsBoafo Ye Na - Willing HelperDame Dame - Board GameDonno - Bell DrumDonno Ntoaso - Talking DrumDuafe - Wooden CombDwennimmen - Ram’s HornsEban - FenceEpa - HandcuffsEse Ne Tekremah - Teeth And TongueEsono Anantam - Elephant’s FootprintFafanto - ButterflyFihankra - Compound HouseFofoo Aba - Fofoo Plant SeedFuntummireku Denkyemmireku - Two-Headed CrocodileGyawu Atiko - War Hero’s Hair StyleGye Nyame - Except GodGye W’Ani - Enjoy YourselfHwehwemudua - Measuring RodHye Wo Nhye - UnburnableKokuromotie - ThumbKramo Bone - Bad MohammedanKuntunkantan - Inflated PrideKuronti Ne Akwamu - Power And BalanceKyemfere - PotsherdsMako Nyinaa - All PeppersMate Masie - I Understand YouMekyia Wo - I Salute YouMframadan - House Built to Withstand Strong WindMmara Krado - Seal Of LawMo No Yo - CongratulationsMpatapo - Reconciliation KnotMpuankron - Nine Tufts Of Hair
Mpuannum - Five Tufts Of HairMrammuo - Crossing PathsMusuyidee - Good FortuneNante Yie - Goodbye Nea Onnim - Quest For KnowledgeNkonsonkonson - Chain LinkNkotimsefo Mpua - Court Attendants Hair StyleNkrabea - DestinyNkuruma Kesee - Big OkraNkyimu - Crossing PathsNkyinkyin - TwistingsNnampo Pa Baanu - Two Good FriendsNokore - TruthNsaa - Hand Woven FabricNsa Ko, Na Nsa Aba - Hand Go, Hand Come Nserewa - Cowry ShellsNsoroma - StarNya Gyidie - Have FaithNyame Biribi Wo Soro - God Is With MeNyame Dua - God’s AlterNyame Nti - By God’s GraceNyame Nwu Na Mawu - God Help Me Reach ItNyame Ye Ohene - God Is KingNyansapo - Wisdom KnotObaatan Awaamu - Warm Embrace Of MotherObi Nka Bi - Bite Not Each OtherObohemmaa - DiamondOdenkyem - CrocodileOdo Nyera Fie Kwan - Love Guides You HomeOhene Adwa - King’s StoolOhene Aniwa - King’s EyesOhene Kra Konmunde - Royal Soul PendantOhene Kye - King’s CrownOhene Kyiniie - King’s UmbrellaOhene Papa - Good KingOkodee Mmowere - Eagal’s TalonOsiadan Nyame - God The BuilderOsram Ne Nsoroma - Moon And StarOtumfuo Wuo Ye Ya - The King Is GoneOwia A Repue - Rising SunOwo Foro Adobe - Snake Climbing PalmOwuo Atwedee - Ladder Of DeathPagya - Strikes FirePempamsie - Prepared For ActionSankofa - Learn From The PastSepo - Executioner’s KnifeSesa Woruban - I Transform My LifeSom Onyankopon - Worship GodSunsum - SoulTabono - OarsTamfo Bebre - Jealous EnemyTi Koro Nko Agyina - One Head Is Not A CouncilTumi Te Se Kusua - Power Is Like An EggTuo Ne Akofena - Gun And State SwordWawa Aba - Wawa Tree SeedWo Nsa Da Mu A - If Your Hands Are In The DishYebehyia Bio - We Shall Meet AgainReferences / About The Author
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The 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 cloths are now used for many different occasions. Clothes for men are six yards long; those for women are four yards.
Clothes 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 king’s 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.
THE HISTORY OF ADINKRA CLOTH (Continued)
2
AsanteheneOtumfuo Osei Tutu II
Wearing “Obi Nka Bi” and “Musuyidee” Adinkra Symbols.
“Bite not each other,avoid conflicts”
Symbol of harmony,peace, forgiveness,
and unity.
Obi Nka Bi(oh-bee en-kah bee)
Musuyidee
“Good fortune or sanctity”
Symbol of good luck and
spiritual strength.
(moo-shoo-yee-deh)
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Creating Nkyimu Pattern Asantehene Wearing Adinkra Cloth Stamping Dwennimmen Pattern
Owuo Atwedee Stamp
Creating Mframadan PatternOhene Wearing Adinkra Print
3
Stamps and Nsensan DuaAdinkra Print TextileMan Wearing Adinkra Cloth
Adinkra Embroidery Pattern
ADINKRA PICTURE GALLERY 1
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ADINKRA PICTURE GALLERY 2
4
Gye Nyame StampFuntummireku-Denkyemmireku StampSankofa Stamp
Dame Dame StampSunsum StampDwennimmen Stamp
Fofoo Aba StampEse Ne Tekrema StampAni Bere A Enso Gya Stamp
Musuyidee StampNkotimsefo StampHye Wo Nhye Stamp
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ADINKRA PICTURE GALLERY 3
5
Adinkra Clothes of Various Colors
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa6
“Great Fortress”Symbol of the seatof political power,state authority, and prosperity.
Aban(ah-bahn)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa7
“The all seeing eye of the
Divine Creator”Symbol of the totality
of the universe.
Abode Santann(ah-boh-deh sahn-tahn)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa8
“Good Family”Symbol of family unity,
kinship ties, clan loyalty, and family
support.
Abusua Pa(ah-boo-shoo-ah pah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa9
“King of the Adinkra Symbols”
Symbol of authority, greatness, prudence,
firmness, and magnanimity.
Adinkrahene(ah-deen-krah-hay-nay)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa10
“Peace or Serenity”Symbol of peace,
serenity, continuity, and spiritual
coolness.
Adwo(ah-dwoh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa11
“Agyin’s Gong”Symbol of alertness,
faithfulness, dutifulness, and
loyal service.
Agyin Dawuru(ah-jeen dah-woo-roo)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa12
“War Horn”Symbol of a call
to collective action,military readiness,
and valor.
Akoben(ah-koh-bin)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa13
“State Ceremonial Swords”
Symbol of Stateauthority, legitimacy,
legality, and heroic deeds.
Akofena(ah-koh-fay-nah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa14
“Hen’s Feet”Symbol of parental
protection and discipline tempered
with love.
Akoko Nan(ah-koh-koh nahn)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa15
“The Heart”Symbol of love,
patience, tolerance, and
goodwill.
Akoma(ah-koh-mah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa16
“Joined Hearts”Symbol of agreement,
togetherness, andunity in thought
and in deed.
Akoma Ntoaso(ah-koh-mah en-toh-ah-soh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa17
“Welcome”Symbol of hospitality,
greeting, andreception.
Akwaaba(ah-kwah-ah-bah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa18
“The Spider’s Web”Symbol of wisdom,
craftiness, creativity,and the complexities
of life.
Ananse Ntontan(ah-nahn-say en-tohn-tahn)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa19
“Red eyes can’t spark flames”
Symbol of patience, self-control, and
discipline.
Ani Bre A Enso Gya(ah-nee breh ah en-soh jah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa20
“If you will notpraise me”
Symbol of warningagainst ingratitudeand devaluation of
one’s name.
Anyi Me Aya A(ahn-yee may ah-yah ah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa21
“Sweet Berry”Symbol of sweetness,sweet taste, pleasure,
and hedonism.
Asaawa(ah-sah-ah-wah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa22
“The Earth has Weight”Symbol of the divinity
and providence of Mother Earth.
Asaase Ye Duro(ah-sah-ah-say yeh doo-roh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa23
“Good living”Makes one forget their
humble beginnings.Symbol of prosperity, wealth,
conspicuous spending,and upper social class.
Asetena Pa(ah-say-tay-nah pah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa24
“God the Mother”Symbol of the
nurturing spirit andfemale attributes
of the Devine Creator.
Awurade Baatanfo(ah-woo-rah-day bah-ah-tahn-foh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa25
“Fern” I am not afraid of you,
I am independent of you.
Symbol of defiance.
Aya(ah-yah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa26
“Bunch of Kola Nuts”Symbol of affluence, power, abundance,
togetherness, and unity.
Bese Saka(bay-say sah-kah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa27
“The rarity of awilling helper”
Symbol of patronage,cooperation, and
teamwork.
Boafo Ye Na(boh-ah-foh yeh nah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa28
“Board Game”Symbol of strategy,
intelligence,and craftiness.
Dame Dame(dah-may dah-may)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa29
“Bell Drum”Symbol of adoration,
cajolery, praise,and rhythm.
Donno(Dohn-noh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa30
“Talking Drum”Symbol of
poetic eloquence,praise, goodwill,
and wisdom.
Donno Ntoaso(dohn-noh en-toh-ah-soh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa31
“Wooden Comb”Symbol of good
feminine qualities, patience, prudence,
love, and care.
Duafe(doo-ah-feh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa32
“Ram’s Horns”The ram may bully,not with its horns;but with its heart.
Symbol of strength and humility.
Dwennimmen(djwin-neem-mahn)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa33
“Fence”Symbol of safety,
security, protection,and love.
Eban(eh-bahn)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa34
“Handcuffs”Symbol of bondage,
state power, lawand order, and a reminder of theills of slavery.
Epa(eh-pah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa35
“Teeth and Tongue”Symbol of
interdependence, cooperation, unity,
growth, development,and improvement.
Ese Ne Tekrema(eh-seh nay teh-kreh-mah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa36
“Elephant’s Footprint”Symbol of leadership,
protection, power,and security.
Esono Anantam(eh-soh-noh ah-nahn-tahm)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa37
“Butterfly”Symbol of tenderness, gentleness, fragility,
and honesty.
Fafanto(Fah-fahn-toh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa38
“Compound House”Symbol of safety,
security, solidarity, and brotherhood.
Fihankra(fee-haun-krah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa39
“Fofoo Plant Seed”Symbol of
warning against jealousy and
covetousness.
Fofoo Aba(foh-foo ah-bah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa40
“Two-Headed Crocodile” Sharing a common stomach.
Symbol of unity, cultural diversity,democracy, and the
oneness of the human family.
Funtummireku-Denkyemmireku(foon-toom-mee-reh-koo din-chim-mee-reh-koo)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa41
“Hair Style of Gyawu”Symbol of the war
hero, bravery, fearlessness, and
valor.
Gyawu Atiko(jah-woo ah-tee-koh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa42
“Except God,I fear none”
Symbol of theomnipotence of
God.
Gye Nyame(jeh nyah-may)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa43
“Enjoy Yourself”Symbol of the joyof living, rejoicing,
happiness, andmerriment.
Gye W’Ani(jeh wah ah-nee)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa44
“Measuring Rod”Symbol of excellence,
perfection, refinement, and superior quality.
Hwehwemudua(scheweb-scheweb-moo-doo-ah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa45
Hye Wo Nhye“Unburnable”
Symbol of permanence, toughness,
imperishability, and endurance.
(shee woh en-shee)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa46
Kokuromotie
“Thumb”Symbol of cooperation, participation, teamwork,
indispensability, andharmony.
(koh-koo-roh-moh-tee-uh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa47
Kramo Bone“Bad Mohammedan”
Makes it difficult for a goodone to be recognized.
Symbol of a warning againstdeception and hypocrisy.
(krah-moh boh-neh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa48
“Inflated Pride”Do not boast or brag.
Symbol of warning against pride
and arrogance.
Kuntunkantan(koon-toon-kahn-tahn)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa49
“The two complementary
branches of the State”Symbol of democracy and balance of power.
Kuronti Ne Akwamu(koo-rohn-tee nay ah-kwah-moo)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa50
Kyemfere” “Potsherds”
Symbol depictsthe belief that experience and wisdom come
with age.
(chim-fay-reh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa51
Mako Nyinaa”
“All Peppers”Do not ripen atthe same time.
Symbol of unequalopportunity and
uneven developement.
(mah-koh en-yee-nah-ah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa52
“I have heard what you have said”
Symbol of wisdom, knowledge, prudence, and thoughtfulness.
Mate Masie(mah-teh mah-see-yeh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa53
“I Salute You”Symbol of greeting,
recognition, andrespect.
Mekyia Wo(meh-chee-ah woh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa54
Mframadan“A house built to
withstand strong wind”Symbol of fortitude, security, family unity,
and spiritual protection.
(em-frahm-ah-dahn)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa55
“Seal of Law”Symbol of authority,legality, and power
of the court.
Mmara Krado(em-mah-rah krah-doh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa56
“Congratulations”Symbol of praise,
reward, honor,and reception.
Mo No Yo(moh noh yoh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa57
“Reconciliation Knot”Symbol of
reconciliation, pacification, peace,
and harmony.
Mpatapo(em-pah-tah-poh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa58
Mpuankron(em-poo-ahn-krohn)
“Nine Tufts of Hair”From the Council of Elders.
Symbol of participatory democracy, warning against
dictatorial rule, and plurality of ideas.
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa59
Mpuannum(em-poo-ahn-noom)
“Five Tufts of Hair”From the King’s Attendants.
Symbol of spiritualloyalty, priestly office,
and adroitness.
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa60
“Crossing Paths”Symbol of the
realities of life;its challenges and
its balances.
Mrammuo(em-rahm-moo-oh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa61
“Good Fortuneor Sanctity”Symbol of
good luck andspiritual strength.
Musuyidee(moo-shoo-yee-deh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa62
“Goodbye”Symbol of farewell,or parting greeting,
godspeed, andsafe journey.
Nante Yie(nahn-tay yee-uh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa63
“One person cannot know all things”
Symbol of the quest for knowledge and
the pursuit of life-long learning.
Nea Onnim(nay-ah ohn-neem)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa64
“Chain Link”People are linked in life and death.Symbol of unity
and brotherhood.
Nkonsonkonson(corn-song-corn-song)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa65
“Hair style ofcourt attendants”
Symbol of service and
loyalty.
Nkotimsefo Mpua(en-koh-teem-seh-foh em-poo-ah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa66
“Destiny”Symbol of fate,and preordainedlot or condition
in life.
Nkrabea(en-krah-beh-ah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa67
“Big Okra”Symbol of
superiority,greatness, and
supremacy.
Nkuruma Kesee(en-koo-roo-mah keh-seh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa68
Nkyimu“Crossed Divisions”
Made on cloth before its printing.Symbol of precision
and adroitness.
(en-chee-moo)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa69
“Twistings”Symbol of toughness
and the ability to withstand
hardship.
Nkyinkyin(en-cheen-cheen)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa70
“Two Good Friends”Symbol of friendship,
fellowship, andcomradeship.
Nnampo Pa Baanu(en-nahm-poh pah bah-ah-noo)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa71
“Truth”Does not hide.
Symbol of veracity,authenticity, and
validity.
Nokore(noh-koh-reh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa72
“A type ofhand-woven fabric”
Symbol of excellence, genuineness, and
authenticity.
Nsaa(en-sah-ah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa73
“Hand Go, Hand Come”Symbol of cooperativeaction and concerted
action.
Nsa Ko, Na Nsa Aba(en-sah koh, nah en-sah ah-bah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa74
“Cowry Shells”Symbol of wealth,
affluence, currency,power, andspirituality.
Nserewa(en-seh-reh-wah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa75
“Star”A child of the heavens.Symbol of patronage
and loyalty to the supreme being.
Nsoroma(en-soh-roh-mah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa76
“Have Faith”Symbol of faith,
assurance,and belief.
Nya Gyidie(en-yah jee-dee-uh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa77
“God, there is something in the heavens, let me
reach it”Symbol of faith
hope and aspirations.
Nyame Biribi Wo Soro(en-yah-may bee-ree-bee woh soh-roh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa78
“God’s Alter”Symbol of the
presence of Godand God’sprotection.
Nyame Dua(en-yah-may doo-ah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa79
Nyame Nti“By God’s Grace”
Symbol of thetrust and blessing
of God the Creator.
(en-yah-may en-tee)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa80
Nyame Nwu Na Mawu“I live not
when God is not”Symbol of the omnipotence and omnipresence of God, and the perpetual guiding spirit of our ancestors.
(en-yah-may en-woo nah mah-woo)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa81
Nyame Ye Ohene
“God is King”Symbol of the
majesty, supremacy,and preeminence of
God the Creator.
(en-yah-may yeh oh-hay-nay)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa82
“Wisdom Knot”Only the wise leaders
know how to unravel it.Symbol of wisdom,
ingenuity, intelligence,and patience.
Nyansapo(en-yahn-sah-poh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa83
“The warm embraceof a mother”
Symbol of maternallove and
motherhood.
Obaatan Awaamu(oh-bah-ah-tahn ah-wah-ah-moo)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa84
“Bite not each other,avoid conflicts”
Symbol of harmony,peace, forgiveness,
and unity.
Obi Nka Bi(oh-bee en-kah bee)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa85
“Diamond”Symbol of
preciousness,gem, and treasure.
Obohemmaa(oh-bow-hem-mah-ah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa86
Odenkyem” “Crocodile”
Symbol of adaptability, propriety, prudence,
and practicalwisdom.
(oh-din-chim)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa87
Odo Nyera Fie Kwan“Love never loses
its way home”Symbol of love, devotion, and faithfulness.
(oh-doh en-yeh-rah feh-kwahn)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa88
“King’s Stool”Symbol of the State,
royal authority,and political
power.
Ohene Adwa(oh-hay-nay ah-dwah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa89
Ohene Aniwa“King’s Eye”
The King has lots ofeyes and nothing ishidden from him.
Symbol ofroyal vigilance.
(oh-hay-nay ah-nee-wah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa90
“Royal Soul Pendant”Symbol of God, ancestral spirit,royal leadership,and the people.
Ohene Kra Konmunde(oh-hay-nay krah kohn-moon-deh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa91
“King’s Crown”Symbol of
royal authority, state power, and
supremacy.
(oh-hay-nay chi)Ohene Kye
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa92
“King’s Umbrella”Symbol of power,protection, and
security.
Ohene Kyiniie(oh-hay-nay chee-nee-uh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa93
“Good King”Symbol of exemplary
leadership and a peaceful reign.
Ohene Papa(oh-hay-nay pah-pah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa94
Okodee Mmowere
“Eagle’s Talon”Symbol of strength,
bravery, and power.
(oh-koh-dee em-moh-way-reh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa95
Osiadan Nyame“God the Builder”
Symbol of Godthe Builder andCreator of the
World.
(oh-see-ah-dahn en-yah-may)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa96
“Moon and Star”Symbol of love,
faithfulness, loyalty, harmony, benevolence,
and femininity.
Osram Ne Nsoroma (oh-srahm nay en-soh-roh-mah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa97
“The Most Powerfulis Gone”
Symbol carved tocommemorate the
passing away of KingOtumfuo Opoku Ware ll.
Otumfuo Wuo Ye Ya (oh-toom-foo-oh woo-oh yeh yah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa98
“Rising Sun”Symbol of progress,
renewal, developement,warmth, vitality,
and energy.
Owia A Repue(oh-wee-ah ah ray-poo-yeh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa99
Owo Foro Adobe“Snake climbing the
raffia palm”Symbol of ingenuity,
cleverness, andpersistence.
(oh-woh foh-roh ah-doh-beh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa100
Owuo Atwedee”
“Ladder of Death”Will be climbed by all.Symbol of mortalityand the inevitable
consequence of life.
(oh-woo-oh ah-tweh-deh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa101
Pagya“Strikes Fire”
To strike with flintor make fire.
Symbol of bravery, defence, gunners,
and power.
(pah-jah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa102
Pempamsie
“Prepared for Action”Symbol of readiness,
steadfastness, valor, and
fearlessness.
(pehm-pahm-see-yeh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa103
“Go back to fetch it”Symbol of the
wisdom of learning from the past to
build for the future.
Sankofa(sang-koh-fah)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa104
“Executioner’s Knife”Symbol of justice,
the law, punisment, and immunity of the office
of justice.
Sepo(say-poh)
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Adinkra Cloth Symbol • Akan People • Ghana and the Ivory Coast • West Africa105
“I change ortransform my life”
Symbol of lifetransformation,
renewal, and rebirth.
Sesa Woruban(say-sah woh-roo-bahn)
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“Worship God”Symbol of worship
and devotion toGod the Almighty.
Som Onyankopon(sohm oh-en-yahn-koh-pohn)
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“Soul”Symbol of purity,
spirituality, and sanctity of the soul.
Sunsum(soon-soom)
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Tabono
“Oars”Symbol of confidence,
industriousness, determination, and
persistence.
(tah-boh-noh)
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Tamfo Bebre
“Jealous Enemy”The enemy will stew
in his own juice.Symbol of jealousy,envy, and insecurity.
(tahm-foh beh-breh)
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“One head does notconstitute a council”Symbol of democracy.
power sharing,consultation,
and discussion.
Ti Koro Nko Agyina(tee koh-roh en-koh ah-jee-nah)
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Tumi Te Se Kosua“Power is like an egg”Symbol of the fragility
of political power,democracy, and the use
of restraint.
(too-mee tay say koh-shoo-ah)
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Tuo Ne Akofena“Gun and State Sword”
Symbol of power,responsibility, authority,
legitimacy, nationalsecurity, protection,
and military prowess.
(too-oh nay ah-koh-fay-nah)
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Wawa Aba
“Wawa Tree Seed”Symbol of perseverance, persistence, endurance,
and hardiness.
(wah-wah ah-bah)
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“If your hands arein the dish”
Symbol of participatorygovernment, democracy,
and pluralism.
Wo Nsa Da Mu A(woh en-sah da moo ah)
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Yebehyia Bio“We Shall Meet Again”
Symbol of farewell or parting greetingexpressed towards
family, friends,and loved ones.
(yeh-bay-shee-ah bee-oh)
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ReferencesDr. George F. Kojo Arthur and Robert Rowe
Marshall University, Huntington, WVAkan Cultural Symbols Project
http://www.cfiks.org/akanart/akanartproject.htmDr. George F. Kojo Arthur
Cloth As MetaphorLegon, Ghana
Published by CEFIKS, Inc. 2001
Duncan Clarke and Kemi ClarkeAdire African Textiles
http://www.adireafricantextiles.com/adinkraintroduction.htmPublished by Duncan Clarke 2004
Jean MacDonaldWest African Wisdom:
Adinkra Symbols & MeaningsPortland, OR
http://www.welltempered.net/adinkra/htmls/adinkra/akon.htmPublished 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 PolakoffInto Indigo, African Textiles and Dyeing Techniques
Garden City, NYPublished by Anchor Books 1980
Christine PriceMade in West Africa
New York, NYPublished by E. P. Dutton & Company, Inc. 1975
W. Bruce WillisThe Adinkra Dictionary
A Visual Primer on The Language of AdinkraWashington, DC
Published by The Pyramid Complex 1998http://www.amazon.com/Adinkra-dictionary-visual-primer-language/dp/0966153200/ref=pd_sim_dbs_m_22
About The AuthorAaron 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 Culture 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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