The Adinkra

Adinkra are symbols from Ghana that represent cultural concepts and traditional insights. The Asante peoples of Ghana use Adinkra to express the connection between the verbal and the visual in Akan culture. Historically, adinkra was reserved for Asante kings. However, in more recent years, Adinkra symbols can be found in fashion, interior design, spirituality and art. Dove & Hawk Clothing has enlisted the use of Adinkra and the teachings of the symbols to ignite a connection between Africans in the diaspora and the energies of the Motherland.

Here, you can find the meanings of the many Adinkra symbols that we learn about Ghana and Africa through.

Agyinduwura

Pillars: Faithfulness | Alertness | Dutifulness

Designed to commemorate the faithfulness of one Agyin who was a dutiful servant and gong-beater of the Asantehene.

Agyindawuru, also called "Agyin's Gong", is the gong of the dutiful servant, the one who faithfully takes pride in their mission to be of service to the Asantehene, the Chief of the Tribe.

Nsaa

Pillars: Genuineness | Authenticity

A symbol of excellence, genuineness, and authenticity.

Nsaa is a symbol showing a type of hand-woven cloth. It is a symbol of authenticity and genuineness, as one can tell when the cloth is the real thing.

Mate Masie

Pillars: Wisdom | Knowledge | Prudence

Mate Masie, the Adinkra symbol for prudence, wisdom and knowledge, is depicted with the phrase "What I Hear, I Keep". This brings meaning to the importance of ensuring the wisdoms of the community remain intact throughout time.

Sepow

Pillars: Authority | Justice

Sepow is the "Knife of the Executioner" and is a symbol of authority and justice. It emphasises the importance of judicial structure in the community.

Nyansapo

Pillars: Wisdom | Ingenuity | Intelligence | Patience

Nyansapo is the Adinkra symbol of intelligence and ingenuity. The "Wisdom Knot" is a sign that encourages the patience and wisdom that it takes to support and serve the Tribe.

Akofena

Pillars: Courage | Valour

A symbol of state authority, legality, the legitimised authority of a ruler, recognition of gallantry of heroic deeds. Ghana's coat of arms shows one of these ceremonial swords crossed with a linguist's staff in its top left quadrant.

Akofena is a symbol of authority. The "Swords of War" symbolises the recognition of courage and heroic deeds, as is the mantle of the ruler.

Wawa Aba

Pillars: Hardiness | Toughness | Perseverance

Wawa Aba is the symbol of the "Seed of the Wawa Tree". It is a depiction of hardiness, perseverance and toughness, just as the seed grows to become the wawa tree through its own hardiness and perseverance.

Adinkrahene

Pillars: Greatness | Charisma | Leadership

Chief of Adinkra Symbols - a symbol for authority, leadership, and charisma.

Also a symbol for qualities associated with kings. Adinkrahene is reportedly the inspiration for the design of the other symbols. Adinkrahene is the King of the Adinkra symbols. As the head of the Tribe, this symbol represents leadership and charisma, qualities associated with kings, chiefs and powerful leaders.