Adinkra symbols

Visual symbols of the Akan people of Ghana and Gyaman of Ivory Coast that represent concepts and aphorisms. Notable: Sankofa, Gye Nyame, Akoma.

Country:Ghana; Ivory Coast

Language:English; Akan

Published:2025-09-18

Audience:Students, designers, general public

Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the Akan people of Ghana and the Gyaman of Ivory Coast, that represent concepts or aphorisms. The symbols are widely used on textiles, pottery, logos and architectural decoration. Examples include Sankofa (a bird looking backwards, meaning learn from the past), Gye Nyame (a stylised symbol meaning except God / supremacy of God), Dwennimmen (rams horns, humility and strength), Akoma (the heart, patience and tolerance) and Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu (linked crocodiles, democracy and unity). Adinkra cloth is traditionally produced by stamping symbols on cloth using calabash stamps dipped in dark dye made from the Adinkra tree (Bridelia ferruginea).

Keywords

Adinkra

Akan

Ghana

symbols

Sankofa

Gye Nyame

Source & licence

Source: Wikipedia

URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adinkra_symbols

Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0

Wikipedia article. CC BY-SA 4.0 attribution required.

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