Symbols come in various forms, artefacts, gestures, signs, and words. The purpose of symbols is integral in safeguarding a culture, disseminating morale, and upholding values in a community. One such symbol widely recognized is the Adinkra – a significant cultural bearer of the tribal community of the Akan in modern-day Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa.
Adinkra is a collection of carefully preserved symbols from generations that convey a proverb or meaning. These symbols are deeply ingrained in the Akan culture and carry the community’s historical, artistic, and spiritual legacy forward.
Origin & Historical Significance:
Adinkras are visual cues that represent the beliefs and identities originating from the Akan people, Ghana’s major ethnic communities. They connect the current generation to their forebearers and their shared cultural past, preserving the community‘s collective memory. and the Ivory Coast, located in West Africa, originated during the late 18th century or earlier. These visual motifs have been passed down from one generation to another, and their usage has been vital to the cultural practices of the Akan community for a long time.
Art & Expression:
Adinkra symbols are traditionally employed in fabric printing and predominantly on ceremonial clothes. In the current era, they have expanded the application into diverse Akan communities and cultural aspects. The motifs are distinguished by their geometric shapes and intricate design on clothes, which makes them aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing to the human eye.
Examples of Adinkra symbols and their meanings are listed below:
- Sankofa: Sankofa signifies learning from the past to build a successful future.
- Dwennimmen: The ram’s horns convey the concepts of strength, humility, and learning from past mistakes.
- Nyame Dua: The tree of God, symbolising the presence of God and divine protection.
- Gye Nyame: Gye Nyame represents the supremacy of God or the belief that nothing happens without the knowledge and understanding of the Divine.
There are over 500 symbols and documenting each of them is impossible. But it is important to note that the symbols are expansive in meaning without compromising any of their relevance to the community who have carried on its tradition for centuries. Each symbol is categorized by the meaning or message they convey. A symbol might be a piece of advice or a warning message in times of danger, whereas certain symbols represent a concept such as wisdom, unity, resilience, and courage.
Adinkra symbols act as a visual language traversing verbal boundaries, allowing people to convey complex messages and feelings with just one sign.
Block Printing & Screen Printing of Adinkra:
The Akan people have created their unique art of adinkra printing via two ancient techniques: the block-stamp method, which utilizes wooden or metal stamps, and screen printing. The cloth used for Adinkra was traditionally printed from hand-carved stamps made of gourds (apakyiwa). To create the printing dye or ink (referred to as adinkra aduru), the ink was extracted from the bark of the Badie tree and the twigs of the kuntunkuni tree.
The bark and twigs are soaked in water for many days to fasten the softening process, then pounded to aid the same. The Badie bark is boiled with iron scraps until the pulp turns a rich dark colour. The mixture is then squeezed and stamped on a gourd, calabash, or ceramic surface. Similarly, kuntunkuni roots are cooked to make a dark solution used in the dyeing of black textiles. The fabric is dipped and immersed in the liquid solution, and it takes multiple drying sessions to obtain a completely black hue. Typically, the cloth is dyed in either red or black.
It is important to note that contemporary adaptations and advanced technology have introduced a broader spectrum of colours to Adinkra-inspired designs.
The Influence of Modernism on Adinkra:
The Adinkra symbols are no longer restricted exclusively to the Akan community; the neighbouring communities and individuals embrace them. They are worn during ceremonial rituals and social gatherings. The artistic community has integrated them into their design practices – be it designers, architects, painters and even carpenters! The symbols are expanded beyond the fabric and are found on wrought-iron gates of housing complexes and disparate accessories. Computer-generated designs and art have created a blend of natural and geometric shapes, flowers, leaves, ovals and circles. This influence has also played a key role in uplifting the artistic community of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire and promoted Adinkra’s production and further development. Adinka reflects the widespread recognition and adoption as a symbol of the cultural pride and identity of the Akan tribes.
The Adinkra symbols are integral in the history and culture of West Africa. These symbols continue to inspire creativity, foster cultural understanding, and serve as a bridge between the past and the present. Their integration into contemporary design practices, fashion, art, and communication demonstrates their enduring relevance and the appreciation of African heritage in the global context.
References:
- Ayeeko [2022]. Adinkra Symbols: 122 African Symbols and Meaning. [online] Available at: https://ayeeko.africa/blogs/blog/adinkra-symbols-and-meaning [Accessed: 25 July 2023].
- University of Michigan [2007]. Adinkra Symbols [online] Available at: https://lsa.umich.edu/daas/engagement/adinkra_symbols.html [Accessed: 27 July 2023].
- NewsGhana [2021] Symbols of Wisdom: Adinkra symbols gaining popularity in 21st century communication designs [online] Available at: https://newsghana.com.gh/symbols-of-wisdom-adinkra-symbols-gaining-popularity-in-21st-century-communication-designs/ [Accessed: 27 July 2023]
- ThougtCo. [2020]. The Origin and Meaning of Adinkra Symbols Available at: https://www.thoughtco.com/origin-and-meaning-of-adinkra-symbols- [Accessed: 26 July 2023]
