Adinkra Symbols & Meanings. They have been arranged by names in Twi, literal translation in English, significance and proverbial meaning … It forms the basis of Adinkra printings. This post traces the history and meaning of the Adinkra symbols, and why do people ink themselves with these symbols. NPS. Find out the history of Adinkra Symbols and the cloth in Ghana. They are closely tied to the traditions, beliefs, and history of the Asante people. Adinkra symbols are a collection of West African symbols that are known for their symbolism, meaning and decorative features. They have decorative functions, but their primary use is to represent concepts related to traditional wisdom, aspects of life, or the environment. A comprehensive reference for Adinkra symbols, with meanings, pronunciations, and reflections on their significance. An illustrated guide to the African symbols called Adinkra used in Ghana, West Africa, with an adinkra index and high-quality adinkra images. As an Adinkra, the heart shape represents patience and tolerance. SHARES. It signifies ‘greatness’ and ‘royalty’. Adinkra Symbols & Meanings. The first Adinkra printers created many of the designs which survived several generations till today with some modified whilst others remain unaltered. Though the heart shape is a universal symbol representing love, it is also an Adinkra symbol with a slighty different meaning. Nkyinkyim means “twisting.” It is a symbol representing the tortuous nature of life’s journey. Find out the history of Adinkra Symbols and the cloth in Ghana. Below is a table displaying in alphabetical order some of the old and new Adinkra and other cultural symbols. West African Wisdom: Adinkra Symbols & Meanings ADINKRA INDEX The small symbols at the top of the page are also linked. It originated from present-day Côte d’Ivoire. Nana Kwadwo Agyeman Adinkra, a Gyaman King, was the one who created and designed these symbols and called them after himself. As one walks along the African Burial Ground National Monument, seven mounds made from grass encompass the side of the memorial where a granite prism structure stands, firm and grounded, the sound of rushing water can be heard. Adinkra Symbols and their meaning (English and Twi) 40. Adinkrahene. It is a used as a sign for wealth, toughness, and vitality. Gye Nyame Sankofa Adinkrahene Akan Proverbs. Below are the meanings of Adinkra symbols that you may find PRINTED on Kente Cloths and many objects throughout Ghana, however these portray a quite different meaning from what the Kente Cloth WEAVE PATERNS symbolizes. Adinkra Symbols Abe Dua. Symbolism/Significance. The literal meaning of the word ‘Adinkrahene’ is Adinkra … Nkyinkyim. Share Tweet. Meaning. They are visual representations of proverbs with significant historical and philosophical meaning In Akan, “Nya akoma,” literally “Get a heart” means take heart–be patient. ABOUT US. It signifies the self-sufficiency of a palm tree. The Adinkra symbols and their profound meanings have survived to date. New designs have been introduced over the years and the current generation of weavers continue to introduce new ones. According to research, the Adinkra symbols were a creation of the Gyaaman tribes of Brong region. Adinkra Symbols with Meanings Adinkra literally translates as farewell or goodbye in a large loose linguistic grouping of the Fante, the Akan, the Ashanti and the Akuapem from Ghana. Adinkra Symbols: Origin. Adinkra Symbols at African Burial Ground . However, they are widely used across Africa and in the diaspora. This is the chief Adinkra symbol.