Stories and facts

Adinkra symbols constitute a distinctive visual language originating among the Akan and Gyaman peoples of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, deeply grounded in proverbs, history, and philosophy.

Once reserved exclusively for royalty and spiritual authorities, these motifs adorned cloth worn during funerals or special ceremonies.

Over time, their use has expanded, appearing on textiles, ceramics, architecture, and jewellery, carrying enduring wisdom into everyday Ghanaian life and beyond.

Among the numerous Adinkra signs, a handful remain particularly meaningful:

• Gye Nyame, meaning “Except God,” conveys the omnipresence and supremacy of the divine, and can be found on currency, official edifices, and cultural artefacts in Ghana.

• Sankofa, often shown as a heart shape or a bird looking backwards while clutching an egg, emphasises the value of learning from the past to inform what lies ahead.

• Dwennimmen, symbolising “ram’s horns,” speaks to the harmony of strength and humility, reminding us that true power is tempered by modesty.

• Adinkrahene, known as the “chief of Adinkra symbols,” signifies leadership, magnetism, and greatness, serving as an exemplar for many others.

• Ananse Ntontan, the spider’s web, celebrates wisdom, ingenuity and life’s intricate interconnections.

Tradition attributes the origin of these symbols to Nana Kwadwo Agyemang Adinkra, the Gyaman king, whose artisans are said to have imparted their craft to Asante weavers after conquest, thereby embedding Adinkra within Akan heritage.

The designs are commonly carved into rounded wooden stamps, then applied to fabric using a dye extracted from the bark of the Bridelia ferruginea tree, an artisanal technique still practised in places such as Ntonso near Kumasi.

The meaning of each Adinkra emblem extends beyond its form, carrying multiple layers of significance linked to proverbs and ideals. For example, Bi Nka Bi, depicting two fish biting each other’s tails, advises against discord and encourages harmony. Boame na me mmoa wo, translating as “Help me, and let me help you,” emphasises reciprocity and cooperation. Aya, the resilient fern, symbolises steadfastness in hardship, while Fawohodie champions emancipation and liberty.

Once confined to ceremonial settings, Adinkra motifs have become ingrained in modern Ghanaian culture and the wider diaspora.

They appear in interior design, corporate logos, body art, and in fashion, preserving ancestral teachings while adapting to contemporary tastes.

Educational schemes and creative ventures are increasingly incorporating these symbols to foster cultural pride and awareness, particularly among younger individuals seeking connections to their heritage.

Ultimately, Adinkra symbols serve as silent narrators, condensing generations of oral tradition into instantly recognisable designs.

Whether stamped on fabric or etched into surfaces, each motif invites contemplation, imparts moral lessons, and sustains Akan cultural identity in fresh and enduring forms.

Here’s a selection of articles on Adinkra symbols that explore their cultural significance and artistic roots: