Adinkra Symbols of West Africa

Everywhere you look in Ghana there are symbols. Driving down the road one notices that buildings are adorned with symbols. These same symbols are found in the art work the Ghanians make and even on the plastic chairs that we have in our academic center. Today, after returning from the Accra Mall, where I went food shopping, I noticed that the chocolate I had purchased had a heart like symbol on it.

I have come to learn that these symbols are the Adinkra symbols of West Africa. Each symbol represents different things. This one, for instance, is called the Sankofa and it denotes learning from the past.

There are a number of these symbols, but the one you see around Accra most often is the Gye nyame which denotes the supremacy of God.

Gye nyame- The supremacy of god 

DAME-DAME

The symbol of intelligence and integrity 

DWENNIMEN

"ram's horns"

symbol of humility together with strength

The ram will fight fiercely against an adversary, but it also submits humbly to slaughter, emphasizing that even the strong need to be humble.

HYE WON HYE

"that which does not burn "

symbol of imperishability and endurance

This symbol gets its meaning from traditional priests that were able to walk on fire without burning their feet, an inspiration to others to endure and overcome difficulties. 

SESA WO SUBAN

"Change or transform your character "

symbol of life transformation

This symbol combines two separate adinkra symbols, the "Morning Star" which can mean a new start to the day, placed inside the wheel, representing rotation or independent movement. 

ANANSE NTONTAN

"spider's web"

symbol of wisdom, creativity and the complexities of life

Ananse, the spider, is a well-known character in African folktales.

Last, but not least, my personal favorite.

ODO NNYEW FIE KWAN

"Love never loses its way home"

symbol of the power of love