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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the sword of war.
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.
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.
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.
............
24. Gye W’ani means enjoy yourself.
...........................
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.
............
23. Akoben means the war horn. It is used to give alert.
...........................
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.
............
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).
............
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)
............
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.
...........................
41.Fafanto means butterfly.
.........................
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)
.........................
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.
.........................
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).
............
25. Asaawa means sweet berry. It is the miracle fruit.
...........................
Find out more about Adinkra symbols.
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)
...........................
15. Akoma means the heart.
...........................
14. Obaatan Awaamu means the warm embrace of a mother.
...........................
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.
...........................
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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.
...........................
7. Bese Saka means bag of cola nuts.
...........................
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.
...........................
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.
...........................
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
............
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.
............
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)
............
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.
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.
............
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.
............
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.
............
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.
...........................
31. Asase Ye Duru means The Earth has weight.
............
30. Nyansapo means Wisdom knot.
............
27. Osram Ne Nsoromma means the moon and the star.
...........................
28. Abusua Pa means Good family.
...........................
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.
............
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.
............
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.
............