Adinkra Symbols Lecture Notes

Overview

Adinkra symbols are visual symbols originating from the Akan people of Ghana, representing concepts or aphorisms. They are used extensively in fabrics, logos, pottery, and advertising in Ghana. This session covers various important Adinkra symbols and their meanings.

Key Symbols and Meanings

ADINKRAHENE

• Meaning: Chief of the adinkra symbols
• Symbolism: Greatness, charisma, and leadership
• Note: Inspiration for other symbols; emphasizes leadership roles.

ASASE YE DURU

• Meaning: "The Earth has weight"
• Symbolism: Providence and the divinity of Mother Earth
• Note: Highlights the Earth's importance in life sustenance.

DONO

• Symbolism: Appellation, praise, goodwill, and rhythm
• Note: Represents the tension talking drum used by the Akan people.

DWENNIMMEN

• Meaning: "Ram's horns"
• Symbolism: Humility with strength
• Note: Emphasizes the necessity of humility even in strength.

EBAN

• Meaning: "Fence"
• Symbolism: Love, safety, and security
• Note: Symbolizes security and protection in love, akin to a fenced home.

MMUSUYIDEE

• Meaning: "That which removes bad luck"
• Symbolism: Good fortune and sanctity

NEA ONNIM NO SUA A, OHU

• Meaning: "He who does not know can know from learning"
• Symbolism: Knowledge, life-long education, and quest for knowledge

NSAA

• Symbolism: Excellence, genuineness, and authenticity
• Note: Represents quality workmanship; authentic vs. fake.

NYANSAPO

• Meaning: "Wisdom knot"
• Symbolism: Wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence, and patience
• Note: Suggests that wisdom is the ability to select the best path to achieve a goal.

ONYANKOPON ADOM NTI BIRIBIARA BEYE YIE

• Meaning: "By God's grace, all will be well"
• Symbolism: Hope, providence, and faith

AKOMA NTOSO

• Meaning: "Linked hearts"
• Symbolism: Understanding and agreement

ODO NNYEW FIE KWAN

• Meaning: "Love never loses its way home"
• Symbolism: The power of love

Additional Information

For more details on Adinkra Symbols, visit Adinkra.org.

Contact Information

• Department: Department of Afroamerican and African Studies (DAAS)
• Address: Haven Hall, Room 4700, 505 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1045
• Email: [protected email]
• Phone: 734.764.5513

Note: For more engagement and resources, access further links and tools provided by DAAS and the LSA College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan.