"Adinkra" symbols have been designed by craftsmen of old and used by the Asantes of Ghana for many years. There is a wide variety of "Adinkra" symbols and each symbol has a local Akan name. The use of these symbols dates back to many generations. Adinkra symbols are multi-functional. They are appreciated for both their aesthetic and communicative values. They are non-verbal illustrations of proverbs, parables and maxims, which portray philosophical, educational, historical and cultural values of the Asantes of Ghana. Adinkra symbols are becoming increasingly popular for cross cultural education and a source of inspiration for visual creative expressions and international fashion. The "Adinkra" cloth is made by creating lines with a wooden comb-like tool on cotton fabric. Adinkra pattern stamps made from dried calabash are then dipped into a locally produced dye from the “badie” tree and printed on to the cotton fabric The "Adinkra" cloth is not washed. "Adinkra" means farewell, hence its original use as a special cloth for funerals and solemn occasions. In recent times the adinkra cloth is seen and worn on many other occasions ,ingeniously combined with kente designs . The indigenous well-known "adinkra" cloth producing areas are Ntonso and Asokwa in the Ashanti Region. |
 | Sankofa - (translation) going back to my beginnings Going back to my roots, to undo or correct mistakes; to build and plan a better future. |
 | Adinkrahene - (translation ) chief of all adinkra symbols Symbol of greatness, charisma and leadership |
 | Akoma (translation ) - heart Symbol of patience and tolerance |
 | Gye Nyame - (transaltion) except God Symbol of supremacy, Omnipotence of God the Divine Creator |
 | Nyame Biribi Wo Soro (translation) God there is something in the heavens for me Symbol of hope. |
 | Epa (translation) handcuffs Symbol of Captivity and Slavery Do not condone or tolerate slavery.You are a slave of him whose handcuffs you allow on you |
| Ohene Aniwa (The King's eyes) Symbol of Vigilance and wariness The king has eyes every where |
 | Akofena (translation )- sword Symbol of authority and gallantry . A great retiring warrior deserves his honour |
 | Ntesie (translation)I have heard and kept it a symbol signifying the need for imbibing knowledge, information, wisdom and prudence. |
 | Nkyinkyin (translation) - twisting a symbol signifying versatility ability to adapt one’s self to take up or play many roles
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 | Aya (translatio) - fern a symbol signifying endurance and resourcefulness |
General Information 