Adinkra - Symbols, meaning & use

I've always been intrigued by the use of symbols in African culture. Growing up in a Caribbean household, (although not in the Caribbean), I was used to hearing sage advice from grandparents and family elders delivered by way of funny sayings, like "duppy know who fi frighten" and "horse dead, cow fat", ( I still don't know what that means!).

Being a visual person, I love the idea that you can convey proverbs and other messages with symbols, which can then be displayed or used in a myriad of ways.

Adinkra is a writing system, incorporating symbols that represent principles and concepts. They are believed to have been created by the Bono people of Gyaman, (a former kingdom in today’s Côte D’Ivoire), and their usage spread through the Asante people of modern-day Ghana and other Akan kingdoms in West Africa.

Adinkra was and continues to be used extensively in pottery, fabrics, jewellery, ceremonial items and architectural features in Ghana and beyond.

I have been so inspired by them, that I have designed and created a range of cards which can be used for pretty much any occasion, depending on the message you want to convey. The symbol on the front of the card is a magnet, so can be displayed on fridges or noticeboards. Meanings of the symbol feature inside, with blank space to include your own message, should you choose to give them away, that is.

Below shows a selection of Adinkra symbols and their meanings. All of those shown can be incorporated into my Adinkra designs featured on this website, but this is by no means a conclusive list. Are there any others you would like to see added? Email me at leamadeitwithlove@gmail.com and if I add your suggestion to my list, I'll send you the corresponding card and magnet for free!

Symbol	Name	Meaning
	Adinkrahene	'Adinkra King' Symbol of greatness, leadership & charisma
	Adwo	'Peace' Symbol of calmness, tranquillity & serenity
	Akoma Ntoso	'Linked Hearts' Symbol of understanding, agreement & unity
	Ananse Ntentan	'Spider's Web' Symbol of creativity, wisdom & the complexities of life
	Asase Ye Duru	'The Earth Has No Weight' Symbol of divinity, providence & the power of Mother Earth
	Aya	'Fern' Symbol of endurance, perseverance & defiance against difficulties
	Bese Saka	'Bunch of Cola Nuts' Symbol of affluence, abundance & unity
	Dwennimmen	'Ram's Horns' Symbol of strength, humility & wisdom
	Eban	​'Fence' Symbol of safety, security & love
	Fihankra	'House/Compound' Symbol of solidarity, security & safety
	Gye Nyame	'Except God' Symbol of faith & supremacy of God
	Hye Won Hye	'That Which Does Not Burn' Symbol of endurance & imperishability
	Mpatapo	'Reconciliation Knot' Symbol of forgiveness & peace
	Nkonsonkonson	'Chain' Symbol of community, unity & strength
	Nteasee	'Understanding' Symbol of cooperation & consideration
	Nyansapo	'Wisdom Knot' Symbol of ingenuity, intelligence & patience
	Odo Nnyew Fie Kwan	'Love Does Not Lose It's Way Home' Symbol of faithfulness & the power of love
	Okuafo Pa	'Good Farmer' Symbol of diligence, hard work & entrepreneurship
	Osidan	'The Builder' Symbol of creativity
	Osram Ne Nsoromma	'Moon & Star' Symbol of love, loyalty & faithfulness
	Sankofa	'Go Back & Get It' Symbol of wisdom & learning from the past
	Wawa Aba	'Seed of the Wawa Tree' Symbol of strength, toughness & perseverance