Adinkra symbols Page #4

This page lists all the various symbols in the Adinkra symbols category.

Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the Ashanti of Ghana and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa, that represent concepts or aphorisms. Adinkra are used extensively in fabrics, pottery, logos and advertising. They are incorporated into walls and other architectural features. Fabric adinkra are often made by woodcut sign writing as well as screen printing. Adinkra symbols appear on some traditional akan gold weights. The symbols are also carved on stools for domestic and ritual use. Tourism has led to new departures in the use of the symbols in such items as T shirts and jewelry.

The symbols have a decorative function but also represent objects that encapsulate evocative messages that convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life or the environment. There are many different symbols with distinct meanings, often linked with proverbs. In the words of Anthony Appiah, they were one of the means in a pre-literate society for "supporting the transmission of a complex and nuanced body of practice and belief".

Symbols in this category:

Kramo Bone

The bad make it difficult for the good to be noticed.

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Kuntinkantan

Puffed up extravagance

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Kwatakye Atiko

Hair style of an Asante war captain

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Mate Masie

What I hear, I keep

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Me Ware Wo

I shall marry you

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Mframadan

Wind-resistant house

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Mmere Dane

Time changes

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Mmra Krado

Seal of Law and Order

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Mmusuyidee

That which removes bad luck

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Mpatapo

Knot of reconciliation

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Mpuannum

Five tufts (of hair)

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Nea Onnim no Sua A Ohu

He who does not know can know from learning

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Nea Ope Se Nkrofoo Ye Ma Wo No, Ye Saa Ara Ma Won

Do to others the things you want them to do to for you.

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Nea Ope Se Obedi Hene

He who wants to be king.

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