Adinkra Symbology

The Origin and Meaning of Adinkra Symbols

Adinkra is a cotton cloth produced in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire which has traditional Akan
symbols stamped upon it. The adinkra symbols represent popular proverbs and maxims, record
historical events, express particular attitudes or behaviour related to depicted figures, or concepts
uniquely related to abstract shapes. It is one of several traditional cloths produced in the region –
the other well known cloths being kente and adanudo.

The Akan people (of what is now Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire) had developed significant skills in
weaving by the sixteenth century, with Nsoko (present day Begho) an important weaving centre.
Adinkra, originally produced by the Gyaaman clans of the Brong region, was the exclusive right
of royalty and spiritual leaders, and only used for important ceremonies such as funerals –
adinkra means 'goodbye'.

During a military conflict at the beginning of the nineteenth century, caused by the Gyaaman
trying to copy the neighbouring Asante's 'golden stool' (the symbol of the Asante nation), the
Gyaaman king was killed. His adinkra robe was taken by Nana Osei Bonsu-Panyin, the Asante
Hene (Asante King), as a trophy. With the robe came the knowledge of adinkra aduru (the
special ink used in the printing process) and the process of stamping the designs onto cotton
cloth.

Over time the Asante further developed adinkra symbology, incorporating their own
philosophies, folk-tales and culture. Adinkra symbols were also used on pottery, metal work
(especially abosodee), and are now incorporated into modern commercial designs (where their
related meanings give added significance to the product), architecture and sculpture.

Adinkra cloth is more widely available today, although the traditional methods of production are
very much in use. The traditional ink (adinkra aduru) used for stamping is obtained by boiling
the bark of the Badie tree with iron slag. (Because the ink is not fixed, the material should not be
washed!) Adinkra cloth is used in Ghana for special occasions such as weddings and initiation
rites.
Note that African fabrics often differ between those made for local use - usually replete with
hidden meanings or local proverbs - allowing locals to make a particular statements with their
costume – and those fabrics produced for overseas markets which tend to use more 'sanitised'
symbology.

Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the Akan of Ghana and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in
West Africa, that represent concepts or aphorisms. Adinkra are used on fabric, walls, in pottery,
woodcarvings and logos. Fabric adinkra are often made by woodcut sign writing as well as screen
printing. They also can be used to communicate evocative messages that represent parts of their life or
those around them.

Adinkra Cloth
Michelle Dressler

Introduction: Adinkra cloth is a hand printed fabric. The origin of Adinkra cloth is traced to the
Ashanti people of Ghana. Initially the cloths were made for royalty to be worn at religious
ceremonies. Adinkra cloth is decorated with traditional symbols that covey the thoughts and
feelings of the person wearing them. The fabric of adinkra cloth is divided into squares by lines
drawn using a bark dye and then stamped with gourds that have been carved with designs.

They should explain how their prints are reflective of traditional Ghana culture and the land. Explain
how the Ashanti people of Ghana once used adinkra cloths exclusively for royalty but in recent years
that has changed.

Ghana has the highest percentage of Christians in West Africa, but the belief in traditional
animist religions is still extremely common. Adinkra Symbols
is one of the highly valued hand-printed and hand-embroidered cloths. Its origin is traced to
the Asante people of Ghana and the Gyaman people of Cote' d'lvoire (Ivory Coast).
However, the production and use of Adinkra have come to be more associated with the
Asante people than any other group of people. Around the 19th Century, the Asante people
developed their unique art of adinkra printing. Adinkra clothes were made and used
exclusively by the royalty and spiritual leaders for very important sacred ceremonies and
rituals.
Musuyide – 'sanctity'.
Also known as Keerape
Symbol represents sanctity and
spiritual purity.
The associated proverb is
"sanctity, like the cat, abhores
filth", but the motif is also
considered a talisman against bad
luck.

Kode Emower Ewa – 'talons of the

eagle'.

Symbol represents devotion and

service.

This symbol was shaved on the

back of the heads of the Queen
Mother's servants.
 Nyame-Nti – 'faith in God'.
Also known as Adwera – a river
plant.

Symbol represents consecration,

cleanliness, chastity, purity, and
faith in God.

The proverb related to Adwera

says that "the water of life
sustains through its purity", a
recommendation to the life of the
virtuous and pious.

Osrane ne nsoroma (Ram’s horns) Wisdom, learning, humility

This African Andikra fabric has many symbols, each of which tells a story.

What’s in a fabric?  The patterns and prints that make up the imagery of many fabrics have rich
histories and can tell amazing stories.  This well researched article by Nickolas Miller tells about
the history of an amazing African fabric print and describes its rich symbolism and vibrant
colors.  So, what’s in a fabric?  Read on.  You might just be amazed.

~Karen

This beautiful African fabric print is rich with symbolism and vibrant colors. More specifically,
this fabric is a classic example of Adinkra cloth, which can be thought of as an artistic symbolist
code, using artistic variations of specific symbols to convey certain ideas and messages. This
traditional cloth originates from the Akan, the primary ethnic group of Ghana (formerly the Gold
Coast), located in western Africa. In line with tradition, a multitude of patterns, such as this one,
are sewn together to form the complete garment. Considering that this pattern alone has four
specific symbols including the background color, these garments are very complex in symbolism
and in many cases tell entire stories. In fact, many of the Adinkra symbols are based on cultural
fables. Other than fables and stories, themes of these beautiful garments and dresses include
social and political organization, ethical beliefs and attitudes, and general knowledge, wisdom, or
education.
 So let’s look closely at what the colors and symbols in this wonderful
fabric mean! The first thing is the colors. Traditionally, rich, bright and vibrant colors, such as
the bold red of this fabric, are symbolic of happiness and joy. Garbs made from these fabrics
were commonly used ceremoniously in African culture, so akin to the culture, this fabric would
be used for celebrations, such as a marriage. Culturally, rusty dark shades and darker shades of
vermilion are considered taboo and reserved specifically for times of mourning. The gold color
represents royalty or power, as well as the natural abundance of gold resources in the country (it
was called the “Gold Coast” for a reason!). The printing on this fabric has a moderate metallic
sheen, done to reproduce the traditional method of stamping the patterns onto the cloth with a
wooden stamp carved from calabash wood. This stamp is dipped into a special dye, and then
pressed into the fabric to produce the pattern.

What about the fabric symbols? The first symbol is the lizard shaped pattern. This symbol is the

denkyem, which literally translates to “crocodile”. The symbol represents

adaptability, illustrated by the fact that “crocodiles live in the water, yet still breathe air.” The
second pattern is the combination of a cross and a diamond, located between the crocodiles. This
is a variation of the symbol eban, which translates to “fence”. This symbolizes safety and
security. This can be safety and security one feels with an actual fence, or figuratively with the
love and company of others. In a national sense, it represents sovereignty and national unity. The
final symbol is the seat. This is actually the seat of royalty, known as the Golden Ashanti Stool.
According to legend, this stool floated down from the heavens into the lap of the first leader of

the Ashanti allegiance, Osei Tutu I, who united the Ashanti tribes and went on
to defeat the Denkyira for their independence. This seat is believed to contain the Sunsum – the
soulful spirit of the Ashanti people. In essence, this seat is a symbol of national unity and pride.
All together, these symbols convey an overall message of national unity, pride, security, and
perseverance in a forever changing world. But again, these are symbols, and are thus open for
interpretation when added together.

All in all, this is a beautiful fabric rich with color and culture. Obviously it doesn’t need to be
used to make a traditional Adinkra ceremonial garb. You can use it to make whatever you wish!
Hopefully this simple article will allow you to appreciate the wonderful tradition of Adinkra
cloth, and whether or not you buy it, this writer hopes you learned something interesting.