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63 African Symbols For


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Tuesday, June 4th, 2013 at 9:27 pm.


(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs//kwat_lg1.gif)African

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symbols from Egypt are well known, but now is time


to discover more African symbols specially from
West Africa, called Adinkra

SHOW YOUR LOVE

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adinkra_symbols).
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Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the


Ashanti of Ghana and the Gyaman of Cote dIvoire in West Africa. They represent concepts or
aphorisms, and are extensively used in fabrics, pottery, logos and advertising.
The symbols have a decorative function but also represent objects that encapsulate evocative

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messages that convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life or the environment.


The Collection below is from the work of Jean MacDonald (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls
/adinkra_site.htm), and is destined to African artists and designers for inspiration in logo,
websites, clothes, jewelery and fashion design, not forget for tattoos (http://www.adinkra.org
/htmls/tattoos.htm).

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You can try to win the complete pack of the 63 images in high resolution here
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LATEST NEWS

1. SANKOFA
return and get it
symbol of importance of learning from the
past

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(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content
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No thumbnail available
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/goodpeople-make-good-political-systems/)

2. WO NSA DA MU A
If your hands are in
the dish
symbol of participatory government,
democracy and pluralism
From the aphorism, Wo nsa da mu a, wonni
nnya wo If your hands are in the dish,
people do not eat everything and leave you
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//wonsa_lg.gif)

nothing. Source: Cloth As Metaphor


(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/) by G.F.
Kojo Arthur

3. SESA WO SUBAN

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/100-ideasto-startup-a-business-in-africa/)

Change or transform
your character
symbol of life transformation
This symbol combines two separate adinkra
symbols, the Morning Star which can mean
a new start to the day, placed inside the
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//sesa_lg.gif)

wheel, representing rotation or independent


movement.

4. WAWA ABA
seed of the wawa
tree

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/we-needmore-makers-not-more-pitchers/)

symbol of hardiness, toughness and


perseverance
The seed of the wawa tree is
extremely
hard. In Akan culture, it is a symbol
of someone who is strong and tough.
Itinspires the individual to persevere
through hardship.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs//wawa_lg.gif)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/the-bestof-political-articles/)

5. TAMFO BEBRE
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Good
people
make
good
political
systems
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100
ideas
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Start
a
Profitable
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in
Africa
(http://ww
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We
Need
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Makers,
Not
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Pitchers
(http://ww
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The
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2013
(http://ww
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The
Experts
Africa
Doesn't
Need

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the enemy will stew in


his own
juice
symbol of jealousy and envy

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6. WOFORO DUA PA A
when you climb a
good tree
symbol of support, cooperation and
encouragement
From the expression Woforo dua pa
a, na yepia wo meaning When you
climb a good tree, you are given a
push. More metaphorically, it means
that when you work for a good cause,
you will get support.
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs//wofo_lg.gif)

Source: Cloth As Metaphor


(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/)
by G.F. Kojo Arthur

7. PEMPAMSIE
sew in readiness
symbol of readiness, steadfastness,
hardiness
According to the The Adinkra Dictionary
(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls
/books.htm), the design
of this symbol resembles the links of a
chain, and implies strength through
unity as well as the importance of being
prepared.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs//pemp_lg.gif)

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8. OWUO ATWEDEE

entrepreneurs in africa (http://www.siliconafrica.com


/tag/entrepreneurs-in-africa/) European violence

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the ladder of death


symbol of mortality a reminder of the
transitory
nature of existence in this world and of the
imperative to live a good life to
be a worthy soul in the afterlife

innovation award africa (http://www.siliconafrica.com


/tag/innovation-award-africa/) Internet in Africa

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/internetin-africa/) Internet usage in Africa


(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/internetusage-in-africa/) Kenya
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leadership lessons
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/tag/leadership-lessons/)
MakerSpace
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/tag/makerspace/) Mandela treason
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/tag/mandela-treason/) propaganda in
Africa (http://www.siliconafrica.com

return to
Africa
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/tag/return-to-africa/)
/tag/propaganda-in-africa/)

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Silicon Africa
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/tag/silicon-africa/) South Africa

9. OWO FORO ADOBE


snake climbing the raffia
tree
symbol of steadfastness, prudence and
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes

diligence

/directorypress/thumbs
//owof_lg.gif)

Because of its thorns, the raffia tree is a very


dangerous challenge to the snake. His ability
to climb it is a model of persistence and
prudence.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/southafrica/) Startup accelerator


(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/startupaccelerator/) startups failures
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/startups-failures/)

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/tag/tech-africa/) Tech investment in Africa
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/tech-investment-in-africa/)

Technology in Africa
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/tag/technologyin-africa/)
Tech people africa

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/tech-people-africa/) Web
application in Africa (http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/webapplication-in-africa/)

10. OSRAM NE NSOROMMA

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The Moon and the Star

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symbol of love, faithfulness, harmony

Win High Resolution


Pack of 63 African
Adinkra Symbols For
Free

This symbol reflects the harmony that exists


in the bonding between a man and a woman.
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/directorypress/thumbs
//osra_lg.gif)

Proverb: Kyekye pe aware. (The North Star

100 sharers will be selected


randomly.

has a deep love for marriage. She is always in


the sky waiting for the return of the moon,
her husband.) from The Adinkra

Ends in: Promotion ended


ENTER TO WIN

Dictionary (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls
/books.htm#adinkra_dictionary))

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11. ONYANKOPON ADOM NTI BIRIBIARA BEYE


YIE

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By Gods grace, all


will be well

GOOGLE ADSENSE

symbol of hope, providence, faith


Source: Cloth As Metaphor
(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/)
by G.F. Kojo Arthur

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs//onyan_lg.gif)

12. OKODEE MMOWERE


the talons of the eagle
symbol of strength, bravery, power
The eagle is the mightiest bird in the sky, and
its strength is concentrated in its talons. The
Oyoko clan, one of the nine Akan clans, uses
this symbol as their clan emblem.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes/directorypress
/thumbs//okodee_lg.gif)

13. ODO NNYEW FIE KWAN


Love never loses its way
home
symbol of the power of love

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//odon_lg.gif)

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14. NYANSAPO
wisdom knot
symbol of wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence
and patience
A especially revered symbol of the Akan, this
symbol conveys the idea that a wise person
has the capacity to choose the best means to
attain a goal. Being wise implies broad
knowledge, learning and experience, and the
ability to apply such faculties to practical
ends. (Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary
(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes

/books.htm#adinkra_dictionary))

/directorypress/thumbs
//nyan_lg.gif)

15. NYAME YE OHENE


God is King
symbol of majesty and supremacy of God
Source: Cloth As Metaphor
(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/) by G.F.
Kojo Arthur

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content
/themes/directorypress/thumbs
//nyameohene_lg.gif)

16. NYAME NTI


by Gods grace
symbol of faith and trust in God
According to The Adinkra Dictionary 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.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//nyame-nti_lg.gif)

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17. NYAME NNWU NA MAWU


God never dies, therefore
I cannot die
symbol of Gods omnipresence and the
perpetual existence of mans spirit
This signifies the immortality of mans soul,
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs

believed to be a part of God. Because the soul


rests with God after death, it cannot die.

//nyawu_lg.gif)

18. NYAME BIRIBI WO SORO


God is in the heavens
symbol of hope A reminder that Gods
dwelling
place is in the heaven, where he can listen to
all prayers.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//nyabi_lg.gif)

19. NSOROMMA
child of the heavens
[stars]
symbol of guardianship A reminder that
God is the father and watches over all people.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//nsor_lg.gif)

20. NSAA

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a type of hand-woven
fabric
symbol of excellence, genuineness,
authenticity According to The Adinkra
Dictionary by W. Bruce Willis, the nsaa
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//nsaa_lg.gif)

symbols reflects a saying: nea onnim nsaa


oto nago, which he translates as
He who does not know authentic Nsaa will
buy the fakes. The quality of Nsaa
has come to represent quality of
workmanship in general.

21. NKYINKYIM
twisting
symbol of initiative, dynamism and
versatility

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//nkyi_lg.gif)

22. NKYIMU
the crossed divisions made
on adinkra cloth before
stamping
symbol of
skillfulness, precision Before adinkra cloth is
stamped with the symbols, the
artisan blocks off the cloth with lines in a
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//nkyimu_lg.gif)

rectangular grid using a


broad-tooth comb. This preparation is
symbolic of the exacting technique which
results in the highest quality product.

23. NYAME DUA

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tree of god altar


symbol of Gods presence and
protection The
Nyame Dua is a sacred spot where
rituals are performed. Erected in
front of the
house or compound, it is crafted from
a tree that has been cut where three
or
more branches come together. This
stake holds an earthenware vessell
filled
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content/themes

with water and herbs or other

/directorypress/thumbs//nyamedua_lg.gif)

symbolic materials for purification


and blessing
rituals.

24. NKONSONKONSON
chain link
symbol of unity and human relations A
reminder to
contribute to the community, that in unity
lies strength

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//nkon_lg.gif)

25. NEA OPE SE OBEDI HENE


he who wants to be
king
symbol of service and leadership
From the
expression Nea ope se obedi hene
daakye no, firi ase sue som ansa
meaning He
who wants to be king in the future
must first learn to serve. Source:
Cloth As Metaphor
(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/)
by
G.F. Kojo Arthur
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs//neaope_lg.gif)

26. NEA ONNIM NO SUA A, OHU


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He who does not know can know from


learning
symbol of knowledge, life-long education and
continued quest for knowledge
Source: Cloth As
Metaphor (http://www.marshall.edu
/akanart/) by G.F. Kojo Arthur

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes/directorypress
/thumbs//neao_lg.gif)

27. MPUANNUM
five tufts (of hair)
symbol of priestly office, loyalty and
adroitness This symbol is said to be the
hairstyle of joy. It is the
traditional hairstyle of the priestesses. The
design of the adinkra symbol
mpuannum resembles the way the
priestesses hair was tied. It also
represents the devotion and faithfulness one

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes/directorypress
/thumbs//mpua_lg.gif)

displays when doing a task


required of one. In addition, mpuannum
means loyalty or the embodiment of lofty
duty to a desired goal. W. Bruce Willis,
The Adinkra Dictionary

28. MPATAPO
knot of
pacification/reconciliation
symbol of reconciliation,
peacemaking and pacification Mpatapo
represents the bond or knot that binds
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//mpat_lg.gif)

parties in a dispute to a peaceful,


harmonious reconciliation. It is a symbol
of peacemaking after strife.

29. MMUSUYIDEE

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that which removes bad


luck
symbol of good furtune and sanctity

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//mmus_lg.gif)

30. MMERE DANE


time changes symbol of change,
lifes dynamics Source:
Cloth As
Metaphor (http://www.marshall.edu
/akanart/) by G.F. Kojo Arthur

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs//mmeredane_lg.gif)

31. MFRAMADAN
wind-resistant house
symbol of fortitude and readiness to
face lifes
vicissitudes
This symbol suggests a reinforced or
well-built home one built
to withstand windy and treacherous
conditions. It reflects in Asante
history a
clause in the unwritten constitutution
of the Golden Stool. Oral acocunts say
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs//mfra_lg.gif)

that according to that clause, mud


houses in Kumasi must be reinforced
with
turf. This reinforcing would cause the
house to be sturdier and resistant to
unfavorable weather conditions.
from The Adinkra Dictionary by W.
Bruce Willis

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32. ME WARE WO
I shall marry you symbol of commitment,
perseverance From
the expression No one rushes into the job of
mixing the concrete for building
the house of marriage. See Cloth As
Metaphor (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls
/adinkra_bibliography.htm#arthur) by G.F.
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs

Kojo Arthur, pp. 89, 163.

//mewarewo_lg.gif)

33. MATE MASIE


What I hear, I keep
symbol of wisdom, knowledge and prudence
The
implied meaning of the phrase mate masie
is I understand. Understanding
means wisdom and knowledge, but it also
represents the prudence of taking into
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs

consideration what another person has said.

//mate_lg.gif)

34. KWATAKYE ATIKO


hair style of an Asante war
captain
symbol of bravery and valor This
symbols is said to be a special hair style of
Kwatakye, a war captain of old
Asante. The symbol has come to represent
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content
/themes/directorypress/thumbs//kwat_lg.gif)

bravery and fearlessness. It is also


given as an earned title to any brave son of
an Akan community.
- W. Bruce Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary

35. KINTINKANTAN

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puffed up extravagance
symbol of arrogance

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//kint_lg.gif)

36. KETE PA
good bed symbol of a good marriage From
the expression that
a woman who has a good marriage is said to
sleep on a good bed. See Cloth As
Metaphor (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls
/adinkra_bibliography.htm#arthur) by G.F.
Kojo Arthur, pp. 87-89
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//ketepa_lg.gif)

37. HYE WON HYE


that which does not burn
symbol of imperishability and endurance
This symbol gets its meaning from
traditional priests that were able to walk on
fire without burning their feet, an inspiration
to others to endure and
overcome difficulties.
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//hyew_lg.gif)

38. HWE MU DUA


measuring stick
symbol of examination and quality control
This symbol
stresses the need to strive for the best
quality, whether in production of
goods or in human endeavors.
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//hwem_lg.gif)

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39. GYE NYAME


except for God
symbol of the supremacy of God This unique
and
beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. It is
by far the most popular for use
in decoration, a reflection on the deeply
religious character of the Ghanaian
people
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//gyen_lg.gif)

40. FUNTUNFUNEFU-DENKYEMFUNEFU
Siamese crocodiles
symbol of democracy and unity The Siamese
crocodiles share one stomach, yet they fight
over food. This popular symbol is
a remind that infighting and tribalism is
harmful to all who engage in it.
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//funt_lg.gif)

41. FOFO
yellow flowered plant
symbol of jealousy and envy When the fofos
petals drop, they turn into black spiky-like
seeds. The Akan liken the nature
of this plant to a jealous person. The
Adinkra Dictionary by W. Bruce Willis
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes

There is a Akan proverb associated with this

/directorypress/thumbs
//fofo_lg.gif)

wishes is that the gyinantwi seeds turn

symbol: What the fofo plant


black.

42. FIHANKRA

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house/compound
symbol of security and safety Typical of Akan
(Asante)
architecture, the communal housing
compound has only one entrance and exit.
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//fiha_lg.gif)

43. FAWOHODIE
independence symbol of independence,
freedom, emancipation
From the expression: Fawodhodie ene obre
na enam. Literal translation:
Independence comes with its
responsibilities. from Cloth As Metaphor
(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/) by
G.F. Kojo Arthur

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content
/themes/directorypress/thumbs//fawo_lg.gif)

44. ESE NE TEKREMA


the teeth and the tongue
symbol of friendship and interdependence
The
teeth and the tongue play interdependent
roles in the mouth. They may come into
conflict, but they need to work together.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//esen_lg.gif)

45. EPA

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handcuffs
symbol of law and justice, slavery and
captivity Adolph
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//epa_lg.gif)

Agbo, in Values of Adinkra Symbols notes


that handcuffs were introduced in
Africa as a result of the slave trade, and later
became popular among chiefs in
cuffing offenders of the law. The symbol
reminds offenders of the
uncompromising nature of the law. It
however discourages all forms of slavery.

46. EBAN

fence
symbol of love, safety and security The home
to the Akan is a
special place. A home which has a fence
around it is considered to be an ideal
residence. The fence symbolically separates
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//eban_lg.gif)

and secures the family from the


outside. Because of the security and the
protection that a fence affords, the
symbol is also associated with the security
and safety one finds in love.
from The Adinkra
Dictionary (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls
/books.htm#adinkra_dictionary)

47. DWENNIMMEN
rams horns
symbol of humility together with strength
The ram will
fight fiercely against an adversary, but it also
submits humbly to slaughter,
emphasizing that even the strong need to be
humble.
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//dwen_lg.gif)

48. DUAFE

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wooden comb
symbol of beauty and cleanliness; symbols of
desirable
feminine qualities The meaning of this
symbol is characterized slightly
differently in The Adinkra Dictionary and
The Values of Adinkra Symbols;
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs

the former emphasizes more abstract

//duafe_lg.gif)

care, while the latter has a more literal

qualities of feminine goodness, love and


interpretation, looking ones best
and good hygiene. In any case, the duafe was
a prized possession of the Akan
woman, used to comb and plait her hair.

49. DENKYEM
crocodile
symbol of adaptability The crocodile lives in
the water,
yet breathes the air, demonstrating an abil

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//denk_lg.gif)

50. DAME-DAME
name of a board game
symbol of intelligence and ingenuity

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//dame_lg.gif)

51. BOA ME NA ME MMOA WO

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Help me and let me help you symbol of


cooperation and interdependence Source:
Cloth As Metaphor
(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/) by
G.F. Kojo Arthur

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//boam_lg.gif)

52. BI NKA BI
No one should bite the
other
symbol of peace and harmony This symbol
cautions against provocation and strife. The
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes

image is based on two fish biting


each other tails.

/directorypress/thumbs
//bink_lg.gif)

53. BESE SAKA


sack of cola nuts
symbol of affluence, power, abundance,
plenty,
togetherness and unity The cola nut played
an important role in the economic
life of Ghana. A widely-used cash crop, it is
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//bese_lg.gif)

closely associated with affluence


and abundance. This symbol also represents
the role of agriculture and trade in
bringing peoples together.

54. AYA

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fern
symbol of endurance and resourcefulness
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.
(Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes/directorypress
/thumbs//aya_lg.gif)

55. ASASE YE DURU


the Earth has weight
symbol of providence and the divinity of
Mother
Earth This symbol represents the importance
of the Earth in sustaining life.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//asas_lg.gif)

56. ADINKRAHENE
Chief of the adinkra symbols symbol of
greatness,
charisma and leadership This symbol is said
to have played an inspiring role in
the designing of other symbols. it signifies
the importance of playing a
leadership role.
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//adin_lg.gif)

57. AKOBEN

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war horn symbol of vigilance and wariness


Akoben is a horn
used to sound a battle cry.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//akob_lg.gif)

58. AKOFENA
sword of war symbol of courage,
valor, and heroism The
crossed swords were a popular motif
in the heraldic shields of many former
Akan
states. In addition to recognizing
courage and valor, the swords can
represent
legitimate state authority.
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs//akofena_lg.gif)

59. AKOKO NAN


the leg of a hen
symbol of nurturing and discipline The full
name of
this symbol translates to The hen treads on
her chicks, but she does not kill
them. This represents the ideal nature of
parents, being both protective and
corrective. An exhortation to nurture
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//akok_lg.gif)

children, but a warning not to pamper


them.

60. AKOMA NTOSO

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linked hearts
symbol of understanding and agreement

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//akon_lg.gif)

62. ANANSE NTONTAN


spiders web symbol of wisdom, creativity
and the
complexities of life Ananse, the spider, is a
well-known character in African
folktales.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content
/themes/directorypress/thumbs//anan_lg.gif)

63. AKOMA

the heart
symbol of patience and tolerance According
to Agbo, when a
person is said to have a heart in his
stomach, that person is very tolerant.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes
/directorypress/thumbs
//akom_lg.gif)

Here is a list of books curated by Jean MacDonald (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls


/adinkra_site.htm) to learn more about African design, visuals, and symbols (Disclaimer: the
link below are with the curator amazon affiliates code)

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The Adinkra dictionary : A Visual Primer on the


Language of Adinkra (http://www.amazon.com
/exec/obidos/ASIN/0966153219/adinkrasymbol-20)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes/directorypress/thumbs
//adinkra_dictionary.gif)

by W. Bruce Willis
($22-$25, depending on condition; 314 pages) The
most comprehensive guide to
adinkra available, with detailed information and
alternative versions of each
symbol, plus the history of Ghana, the development of
Ashanti culture, and a
brief intro to the Twi languageall in 314 pages! No
longer available from the
publisher; I bought this used on Amazon for about
$25, and it is really worth it,
if you are interested in adinkra and Ghana in
general.If you dont see a copy
available at a reasonable price on Amazon, check back
again. The supply of books
depends on the secondhand book dealers that work
through Amazon.
African Designs from Traditional Sources
(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos
/ASIN/0486227529/adinkrasymbol-20) by Geoffrey

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes/directorypress/thumbs

Williams ($10.36; 200 pages; 378


illustrations) A wide range of designs and symbols
from African tribes including
the Ashanti that can be reproduced or enlarged for
use in art and design
projects.

//african_designs.jpg)

Traditional African Designs (http://www.amazon.com


/exec/obidos/ASIN/0486296229/adinkrasymbol-20)
by Gregory Mirow ($6.95; 43 pages, 200 illustrations)
A
inexpensive book of clip art, which includes adinkra
(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes/directorypress/thumbs
//african_design.gif)

among other African


traditional designs, which can be used in a wide
variety of craft and design
projects.
African Designs of the Congo, Nigeria, the Cameroons
and the Guinea Coast (http://www.amazon.com
/exec/obidos/ASIN/0880450932/adinkrasymbol-20)
by Caren

(http://www.siliconafrica.com
/wp-content/themes/directorypress/thumbs

craft designs, and interior


or exterior decoration.

//african_design_book.gif)

Like

905

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Caraway ($11.17; 144 pages) Copyright-free art from


some of Ghanas neighboring
countries, which can be used for graphic treatments,

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Africa Renaissance. Koutonins ultimate dream is to open a
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8 comments

Add a comment

Val Serrant
Top Commenter Independent Contractor/External Relations. at Self
Employed Artist
ALKEBU-LAN....ASE! ASE! ASE-O!
Reply Like

2 December 21, 2013 at 11:09am

Joe L Sherard Community College of Philadelphia


i want number 15!!!!!
Reply Like January 27 at 2:51pm
Jabulani Phelago
Good knowledge - depth ...
Reply Like December 21, 2013 at 2:01am
Anthony Candid Chileke Unique computer institute owerri
this wonderful. A sanctuary for me. I can now rest my thoughts and pen. Thanks...
Reply Like

1 October 25, 2013 at 11:17pm

Penina S. Finger

Top Commenter Owner at The Fantastic Machine

Thanks for putting this together! I'd love to see them in use, too. In what materials
and on what surfaces can these symbols be found?
Reply Like November 16, 2013 at 9:56am
King C. Asante-Yeboa
Top Commenter Works at AFRICAN CENTER
* * CENTRE AFRICAIN
They are normally used on Ghanaian cloths and traditional attires.
Reply Like February 9 at 3:23am
Roger Frjus Denver, Colorado
thank you so much. you did a nice work.
Reply Like December 30, 2013 at 11:27pm
Facebook social plugin

6 Responses to 63 African Symbols For Creative


Design
1.
Penina S. Finger November 16, 2013 (http://www.siliconafrica.com/african-symbolsfor-creative-design/#comment-41279)
Thanks for putting this together! I'd love to see them in use, too. In what materials and on what
surfaces can these symbols be found?
Reply (/african-symbols-for-creative-design/?replytocom=41279#respond)
2.
Jabulani Phelago (http://www.facebook.com/jabulani.phelago) December 21, 2013
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/african-symbols-for-creative-design/#comment-41385)
Good knowledge depth
Reply (/african-symbols-for-creative-design/?replytocom=41385#respond)
3.
Roger Frjus (http://www.facebook.com/roger.abath) December 31, 2013
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/african-symbols-for-creative-design/#comment-41423)
thank you so much. you did a nice work.
Reply (/african-symbols-for-creative-design/?replytocom=41423#respond)

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4.
Joe L Sherard (http://www.facebook.com/Mojogenie) January 27, 2014
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/african-symbols-for-creative-design/#comment-41489)
i want number 15!!!!!
Reply (/african-symbols-for-creative-design/?replytocom=41489#respond)
5.
King C. Asante-Yeboa (http://www.facebook.com/king.asanteyeboa) February 9, 2014
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/african-symbols-for-creative-design/#comment-41628)
They are normally used on Ghanaian cloths and traditional attires.
Reply (/african-symbols-for-creative-design/?replytocom=41628#respond)
6.
Colin Elum (https://www.facebook.com/colin.elum) June 24, 2014
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/african-symbols-for-creative-design/#comment-41980)
Hi thanks for the upload of these beautiful symbols I was in the middle
of using a few of these but the page isn't coming up will you have the page back up soon?
Reply (/african-symbols-for-creative-design/?replytocom=41980#respond)

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