Welcome to the symbols room !
Here is a non-exhaustive listing of the Adinkra symbols present in my paintings. Each card shows a symbol and its name in Twi language and the values it conveys (in English and French). Below each card you will find the meaning of the symbols name and sometimes additional information.
3. Sankofa means return and get it. There are two representations of this symbol, a stylised heart shape and a bird turning it’s head backwards while walking forward. An alternative version of the bird shows it catching a precious egg from its own back with its mouth.
2. Adinkrahene means chief of the Adinkra symbols. This symbol is said to have played an inspirational role in the designing of many other Adinkra symbols.
1. Gye Nyame means Except for God. Understand from this symbol that you should fear nothing except God. Another interpretation is that no one alive saw the beginning of creation and no one will live to see it’s end, except God. A symbol that calls for our humility.
5. Hye Won Hye means that which does not burn. This symbol refers to the traditional priests who were able to walk on fire without burning their feet. An encouragement to face difficulties of life.
4. Fawohodie means independence.
6. Mpatapo means reconciliation.
7. Bese Saka means bag of cola nuts.
9. Akoko Nan means leg of the hen. From the Akan proverb Akoko nan tia ba na enkum ba, the hen treads on its chick but it doesn’t kill it.
8. Duafe means and represents a wooden comb. Important item among a woman’s beauty accessories in Africa.
10. Kete Pa means good bed. In the Akan culture, a woman who has made a good marriage is said to sleep in a good bed.
11. Odo Nnyew Fie Kwan means love never loses its way home.
12. Me Ware Wo means I shall marry you.
13. Eban means the fence.
15. Akoma means the heart.
14. Obaatan Awaamu means the warm embrace of a mother.
18. Boa Me Na Me Moa Wo means help me and let me help you.
16. Owia A Repue means rising sun.
It emphasizes the importance of facing each new day with the courage and determination necessary to make it through. People are reminded that a new day is always just beyond the horizon, and that regardless of how challenging the previous night may have been, there is always another day waiting just beyond the horizon. The rising sun is a symbol of new begin-ning. '' (symbolikon.com)
17. Wawa Aba means seed of the wawa tree. It is known for being extremely hard.
20. Akofena means the sword of war.
21. Nea Onnim from the proverb Nea Onnim no sua a, ohu means he who doesn’t know can know from learning.
19. Kokuromotie means the thumb.
23. Akoben means the war horn. It is used to give alert.
24. Gye W’ani means enjoy yourself.
22. Kyemfere means the potsherds. From the Akan proverb Kyemfere se odaa ho akye, na onipa a onwene nonso nye den ? meaning : The potsherd (found in archeological searches) claims it has been around from time immemorial ; what about the potter who molded it ? A symbol of humility and respect towards those who teach you and know better than you.
26. Sesa Wo Suban means I change or transform my life. It is « the Morning Star », indicating the start of a new day, placed inside the wheel representing rotation, movement.
27. Osram Ne Nsoromma means the moon and the star.
25. Asaawa se traduit par means sweet berry. It is the miracle fruit.
30. Nyansapo means wisdom knot.
29. Pempamsie means Sew in readiness.
According to the Adinkra Dictionnary the design of the symbol resembles the links of a chain and implies strength through unity as well as the importance of being prepared.
28. Abusua Pa means Good family.
33. Venᴐnᴐ Nyo means it is good to be in pairs. Venɔnᴐ Nyo is an Ewe symbol of mutuality. It depicts two indivuals facing each other and joining at the base. The Ewe language is mainly spoken in Ghana, Benin and Togo.
32. Nyame Nti means by God’s grace. According to the Adinkra dictionnary by W. Bruce Willis ‘’this stalk is depicted as the staff of life in many cultures. It symbolizes to the Akan that food is a basis of life and that they could not survive if not for the food that God has placed here on Earth for their nourishment.’’ Nyame Nti is also considered an equivalent to the Gye Nyame symbol.
31. Asase Ye Duru means the Earth has weight.
36. Hwe Mu Dua is a measuring stick. This symbol stresses the need to strive for the best quality, whether in production of goods or in human endeavors.
35. Mekyia Wo means I salute you.
The Akan people take respect very seriously and are passionate about showing recognition to other members of the community.
34. Aya means : the fern. The fern is a hardy plant that can grow in difficult places. ‘’ An individual who wears this symbol suggests that he has endured many adversities and outlasted much difficulty’’. (B. Willis, the Akan Dictionary)
39. Nya Gyidie means : Have faith.
It is a very popular symbol among the Akan people as « it is a constant reminder that you can always make it through the most difficult times of your life provided your hold onto hope and not lose sight of what is important» (Adinkrabrand.com).
38. Ananse Ntontan is : the spider’s web.
Ananse (or Anansi) is also a very popular character of the African folktale. It is at the center of many stories that have been told for centuries. Find two of these stories in The Kente Weaver’s playlist.
37. Ese Ne Tekrema means the teeth and the tongue.
The teeth and the tongue play interdependent roles in the mouth. They may come into conflict but they need to work together.
42. Nnampo pa baanu means, two good friends.
A good friend is worth more than gold and there is no greater relationship than true friendship.
The Akan people understand the essence and value of a good friend as this symbol epitomizes the interdependency between two people who are friends. (Adinkrabrand.com)
41. Fafanto means butterfly.
40. Donno Ntoaso means talking drum. It is the Adinkra symbol of poetic eloquence, praise, goodwill and wisdom.
« The talking drum is a communication device common to many tribes across West Africa. It is beaten to relay a local language and convey a message to people within the community. » (Adinkra Brand)
45. Tamfo Bebre can be translated in two different ways. One is '' The enemy will suffer'', the other one is '' the enemy will stew in his own juice''.
Tamfo Bebre conjures up the image of a calabash or bowl that is difficult to submerge because the harder one pushes, the stronger the resistance one feels. Some Akans use such imagery to describe what futility and struggle their enemies must endure to keep them down. (Source text : Adinkra symbol.org)
44. Owo Foro Adobe, on the book cover, means snake climbing the raffia tree.
''Because of its thorns, the raffia tree is a very dangerous challenge to the snake. Its ability to climb it is a model of persistence and prudence''.
''Spiritual meaning : The power of learning to have persistence will enable one to obtain the necessary skills to succeed in life''.
(Source texts : Adinkra.org and Cortada.com)
43. Denkyem means crocodile.
Denkyem, the crocodile symbol is linked to the Akan proverb meaning « the crocodile lives in the water yet it breathes the air ». It is about the ability to adapt to circumstances.
The crocodile is very agile and fast under water but not much so on dry land. It can hold its breath only up to 50 minutes in a row but as its nostrils, eyes and ears are placed high on its skull it can stay for very long periods with the rest of its body just under the surface of water. That enables him to supervise both surrounding underwater and dry land areas.
Imagine yourself, as a human being, like the crocodile, forced and able to use your assets to cope with hostility or just get by in life.
47. Nyame Ye Ohene means God is king.
48. Onyankopon Adom Nti Biribiara Beye Yie means: by God’s grace all will be well.
46. Nkyinkyim translates as '' twinsting'' or ''twisted''.
This Adinkra symbol describes the tortuous aspects the journey of life can take.
Our existence is made of highs and lows. We meet all sorts of obstacles meant to slow us down and make us change directions as we are chasing our dreams.
Facing all these challenges require resilience, versatility and determination from us.
The symbol design carries a beautiful message of encouragement by reminding us that one starting point can lead to many outcomes just as various directions can have a common destination. The key is to not give up along the way.
49. Nyame Dua means Tree of God.
The Nyame Dua is an altar made from a tree that was cut where three branches come together.
50. Nsoromma means Child of the heavens.
A reminder that God is the Father and watches over all people.
53. Bi nka bi means ''bite not one another ''.
It is a symbol against provocation and conflict. It represents two fishes biting each other's tail.
52. Obohemaa means ‘’Queen of stones’’.
The Akan people represent it with a diamond because it is a highly rare and precious substance.
51. Nyame Biribi Wo Soro means God is in the heavens.
A reminder that God resides in the heavens where he can listen to all prayers.
55. Fofo means ''yellow flowered plant''.
When the petals of this plant (bidens pilosa) fall off, they turn into black spiky seeds. The Akan people compare this phenomenon to a jealous person's fate. This symbol is a warning against that ill feeling that brings absolutely no good to the person who is full of it.
56. Okodee mmowere means ''talons of the eagle''.
The strength of an eagle resides in its talons as they enable it to capture and carry its preys accross the sky. Eagles are the most powerful birds. Okodee mmowere is a symbol of strength and for self-confidence.
54. Dwennimmen means ''ram's horns''.
This symbol teaches us that even the strong must be humble as no one is immortal nor safe from defeat. It represents the horns of two rams facing and fighting each other seen from the sky.
59. Ohene Aniwa means ''the king's eyes''.
Part of an Akan proverb stating that '' the king's eyes surround him '', meaning : the king sees everything.
A true leader has at heart the well being of all the people under his/her care and for this must be attentive to their circumstances and needs. This symbol calls for responsability from leaders. Are you one ? And if so, do you actually watch in all directions ?
58. Nea ope se obedie hene means ''he who wants to be king''.
It is from an Akan proverb saying that somebody intending to become a king must first learn how to serve. It is a reminder that all types of leaders must seek and work for the people's interest before theirs.
57. Woforo dua pa a means ''when you climb a good tree''.
It comes from an Akan proverb stating that when you work for a good cause you are given a push. It is an encouragement to make good actions.
61. Aponkyerene Wu A means ''when a frog dies''.
From an Akan proverb saying that '' it is when a frog dies that we know it's true length''. A reminder not to take for granted or undervalue what we have, be it a person or a thing. Who is that person, or what is that thing that was part of your life and you realized how precious it was or they were to you only after you broke it, lost it, rejected them or after they were gone for good ?
60. Owia kokroko means '' greatness of the sun''.
The sun is the visible source of vitality on Earth.
It provides food but also the natural light of day. None of these would exist without it. This symbol is a reminder of the sun's value and its divine dimension. It can also encourage us to look within ourselves and find out how to be a driving force, an inspiration on our scale.
Find out more about Adinkra Symbols.
41.Fafanto means butterfly.
.........................
38. Ananse Ntontan is : the spider’s web.
Ananse (or Anansi) is also a very popular character of the African folktale. It is at the center of many stories that have been told for centuries. Find two of these stories in The Kente Weaver’s playlist.
............
43. Denkyem means crocodile.
Denkyem, the crocodile symbol is linked to the Akan proverb meaning « the crocodile lives in the water yet it breathes the air ». It is about the ability to adapt to circumstances.
The crocodile is very agile and fast under water but not much so on dry land. It can hold its breath only up to 50 minutes in a row but as its nostrils, eyes and ears are placed high on its skull it can stay for very long periods with the rest of its body just under the surface of water. That enables him to supervise both surrounding underwater and dry land areas.
Imagine yourself, as a human being, like the crocodile, forced and able to use your assets to cope with hostility or just get by in life.
.........................
37. Ese Ne Tekrema means the teeth and the tongue.
The teeth and the tongue play interdependent roles in the mouth. They may come into conflict but they need to work together.
............
42. Nnampo pa baanu means, two good friends.
A good friend is worth more than gold and there is no greater relationship than true friendship.
The Akan people understand the essence and value of a good friend as this symbol epitomizes the interdependency between two people who are friends. (Adinkrabrand.com)
.........................
40. Donno Ntoaso means talking drum. It is the Adinkra symbol of poetic eloquence, praise, goodwill and wisdom.
« The talking drum is a communication device common to many tribes across West Africa. It is beaten to relay a local language and convey a message to people within the community. » (Adinkra Brand)
............
Welcome to the symbols room !
Here is a non-exhaustive listing of the Adinkra symbols present in my paintings. Each card shows a symbol and its name in Twi language and the values it conveys (in English and French). Below each card you will find the meaning of the symbols name and sometimes additional information.
61. Aponkyerene Wu A means ''when a frog dies''.
From an Akan proverb saying that '' it is when a frog dies that we know it's true length''. A reminder not to take for granted or undervalue what we have, be it a person or a thing. Who is that person, or what is that thing that was part of your life and you realized how precious it was or they were to you only after you broke it, lost it, rejected them or after they were gone for good ?
............
60. Owia kokroko means '' greatness of the sun''.
The sun is the visible source of vitality on Earth.
It provides food but also the natural light of day. None of these would exist without it. This symbol is a reminder of the sun's value and its divine dimension. It can also encourage us to look within ourselves and find out how to be a driving force, an inspiration on our scale.
............
Find out more about Adinkra symbols.
36. Hwe Mu Dua is a measuring stick est une règle graduée. This symbol stresses the need to strive for the best quality, whether in production of goods or in human endeavors.
............
35. Mekyia Wo means I salute you. The Akan people take respect very seriously and are passionate about showing recognition to other members of the community.
............
34 means : the fern. The fern is a hardy plant that can grow in difficult places. ‘’ An individual who wears this symbol suggests that he has endured many adversities and outlasted much difficulty’’. (B. Willis, the Akan Dictionary).
............
32. Nyame Nti means by God’s grace. According to the Adinkra dictionnary by W. Bruce Willis ‘’this stalk is depicted as the staff of life in many cultures. It symbolizes to the Akan that food is a basis of life and that they could not survive if not for the food that God has placed here on Earth for their nourishment.’’ Nyame Nti is also considered an equivalent to the Gye Nyame symbol.
............
33. Venᴐnᴐn Nyomeans it is good to be in pairs. Venɔnᴐ nyo is an Ewe symbol of mutuality. It depicts two indivuals facing each other and joining at the base. The Ewe language is mainly spoken in Ghana, Benin and Togo.
............
31. Asase Ye Duru means The Earth has weight.
............
30. Nyansapo means Wisdom knot.
............
29. Pempamsie means Sew in readiness.
According to the Adinkra Dictionnary the design of the symbol resembles the links of a chain and implies strength through unity as well as the importance of being prepared.
............
28. Abusua Pa means Good family.
...........................
27. Osram Ne Nsoromma means the moon and the star.
...........................
26. Sesa Wo Suban means I change or transform my life. It is « the Morning Star », indicating the start of a new day, placed inside the wheel representing rotation, movement.
...........................
25. Asaawa means sweet berry. It is the miracle fruit.
...........................
24. Gye W’ani means enjoy yourself.
...........................
23. Akoben means the war horn. It is used to give alert.
...........................
22. Kyemfere means the potsherds. From the Akan proverb Kyemfere se odaa ho akye, na onipa a onwene nonso nye den ? meaning : The potsherd (found in archeological searches) claims it has been around from time immemorial ; what about the potter who molded it ? A symbol of humility and respect towards those who teach you and know better than you.
...........................
21. Nea Onnim from the proverb Nea Onnim no sua a, ohu means he who doesn’t know can know from learning.
...........................
20. Akofena means sword of war.
...........................
19. Kokuromotie means the thumb.
...........................
18. Boa Me Na Me Moa Wo means help me and let me help you.
...........................
17. Wawa Aba means seed of the wawa tree. It is known for being extremely hard.
...........................
16. Owia A Repue means rising sun.
It emphasizes the importance of facing each new day with the courage and determination necessary to make it through. People are reminded that a new day is always just beyond the horizon, and that regardless of how challenging the previous night may have been, there is always another day waiting just beyond the horizon. The rising sun is a symbol of new begin-ning. '' (symbolikon.com)
...........................
44. Owo Foro Adobe means Snake climbing the raffia tree.
''Because of its thorns, the raffia tree is a very dangerous challenge to the snake. Its ability to climb it is a model of persistence and prudence''.
''Spiritual meaning : The power of learning to have persistence will enable one to obtain the necessary skills to succeed in life''. (Source texts : Adinkra.org
............
45. Tamfo Bebre can be translated in two different ways. One is '' The enemy will suffer'', the other one is '' the enemy will stew in his own juice''.
Tamfo Bebre conjures up the image of a calabash or bowl that is difficult to submerge because the harder one pushes, the stronger the resistance one feels. Some Akans use such imagery to describe what futility and struggle their enemies must endure to keep them down. (Source text : Adinkra symbol.org)
............
15. Akoma means the heart.
...........................
14. Obaatan Awaamu means the warm embrace of a mother.
...........................
46. Nkyinkyim translates as '' twinsting'' or ''twisted''.
This Adinkra symbol describes the tortuous aspects the journey of life can take.
Our existence is made of highs and lows. We meet all sorts of obstacles meant to slow us down and make us change directions as we are chasing our dreams.
Facing all these challenges require resilience, versatility and determination from us.
The symbol design carries a beautiful message of encouragement by reminding us that one starting point can lead to many outcomes just as various directions can have a common destination. The key is to not give up along the way.
............
13. Eban means the fence.
...........................
12. Me Ware Wo means I shall marry you.
...........................
11. Odo Nnyew Fie Kwan means love never loses its way home.
...........................
10. Kete Pa means good bed. In the Akan culture, a woman who has made a good marriage is said to sleep in a good bed.
...........................
9. Akoko Nan means leg of the hen. From the Akan proverb Akoko nan tia ba na enkum ba, the hen treads on its chick but it doesn’t kill it.
...........................
8. Duafe means and represents a wooden comb. Important item among a woman’s beauty accessories in Africa.
...........................
47. Nyame Ye Ohene means God is king.
............
48. Onyankopon Adom Nti Biribiara Beye Yie means: by God’s grace all will be well.
The Akan people call God Nyame but also call Him Onyankopon, Creator of all things.
............
51. Nyame Biribi Wo Soro means God is in the heavens.
A reminder that God resides in the heavens where he can listen to all prayers.
............
39. Nya Gyidie means : Have faith.
It is a very popular symbol among the Akan people as « it is a constant reminder that you can always make it through the most difficult times of your life provided your hold onto hope and not lose sight of what is important » (Adinkrabrand.com).
............
50. Nsoromma means Child of the heavens.
A reminder that God is the Father and watches over all people.
............
49. Nyame Dua means Tree of God.
The Nyame Dua is an altar made from a tree that was cut where three branches come together.
............
7. Bese Saka means bag of cola nuts.
...........................
52. Obohemaa means ‘’Queen of stones’’.
The Akan people represent it with a diamond because it is a highly rare and precious substance.
............
6. Mpatapo means reconciliation.
...........................
5. Hye Won Hye means that which does not burn. This symbol refers to the traditional priests who were able to walk on fire without burning their feet. An encouragement to face difficulties of life.
...........................
59. Ohene Aniwa means ''the king's eyes''.
Part of an Akan proverb stating that '' the king's eyes surround him '', meaning : the king sees everything.
A true leader has at heart the well being of all the people under his/her care and for this must be attentive to their circumstances and needs. This symbol calls for responsability from leaders. Are you one ? And if so, do you actually watch in all directions ?
............
4. Fawohodie means independence.
...........................
3. Sankofa means return and get it. There are two representations of this symbol, a stylised heart shape and a bird turning it’s head backwards while walking forward. An alternative version of the bird shows it catching a precious egg from its own back with its mouth.
...........................
2. Adinkrahene means chief of the Adinkra symbols. This symbol is said to have played an inspirational role in the designing of many other Adinkra symbols.
...........................
1. Gye Nyame means Except for God. Understand from this symbol that you should fear nothing except God. Another interpretation is that no one alive saw the beginning of creation and no one will live to see it’s end, except God. A symbol that calls for our humility.
...........................
53. Bi nka bi means '' bite not one another ''.
It is a symbol against provocation and conflict. It represents two fishes biting each other's tail.
............
54. Dwennimmen means '' ram's horns''.
This symbol teaches us that even the strong must be humble as no one is immortal nor safe from defeat. It represents the horns of two rams facing and fighting each other seen from the sky.
............
55. Fofo means '' yellow flowered plant''.
When the petals of this plant (bidens pilosa) fall off, they turn into black spiky seeds. The Akan people compare this phenomenon to a jealous person's fate. This symbol is a warning against that ill feeling that brings absolutely no good to the person who is full of it.
............
56. Okodee mmowere means ''talons of the eagle''.
The strength of an eagle resides in its talons as they enable it to capture and carry its preys accross the sky. Eagles are the most powerful birds. Okodee mmowere is a symbol of strength and for self-confidence.
............
57. Woforo dua pa a means '' when you climb a good tree''.
It comes from an Akan proverb stating that when you work for a good cause you are given a push. It is an encouragement to make good actions.
............
58. Nea ope se obedi hene means ''he who wants to be king''.
It is from an Akan proverb saying that somebody intending to become a king must first learn how to serve. It is a reminder that all types of leaders must seek and work for the people's interest before theirs.
............
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