"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. Stamps made from calabash with "adinkra" patterns are dipped into a locally produced dye from the “badie” tree and printed on to the fabric. The "Adinkra cloth is not washed. "Adinkra" means farewell, hence it is used as a special cloth for funerals.
The indigenous well-known "adinkra" cloth producing areas are Ntonso and Asokwa in the Ashanti Region.
Sankofa
Going back to my beginnings or roots, to undo or correct mistakes; to build and plan a better future.
Adinkrahene
Symbol of greatness, charisma and leadership
Akoma
Symbol of patience and tolerance
Gye Nyame
Symbol of supremacy, Omnipotence of God the Divine Creator
Nyame Biribi Wo Soro
Symbol of Hope
Epa
Symbol of Captivity and Slavery
Ohene Aniwa (The King's eyes)
Symbol of Vigilance and wariness
Akofena
Symbol of authority and gallantry
Ntesie
"I have heard and kept it" a symbol signifying the need for imbibing knowledge, information, wisdom and prudence.
