Adinkra Symbol Tank Tops

The Sankofa is an Adinkra symbol originating from the Akan people of Ghana. Its meaning is that one should remember the past to make positive progress in the future.

Strong black woman with natural afro hair with positive message surrounded by african symbols adinkra

"Gye Nyame" means “Except God” in the Akan language. It expresses the omnipotence and supremacy of God in all affairs. "Gye Nyame" is arguably the most popular Adinkra symbol. It expresses the deep faith the Akans have in the Supreme Being, called by many names and titles including Onyame (Nyame), Onyankopɔn, Twereduampɔn (the reliable one), and many others.

"Odo Nnyew Fie Kwan" means “Love does not lose its way home" in the Akan language. Those led by love always end up in the right place. The idea that one is certain to arrive at a desired end if his motives are pure is embedded in this phrase. One may not know exactly what steps to take to reach the final destination. He may not even know what a good final destination is, however, if he is dedicated to love and is optimistic in his outlook that something positive and beneficial can be derived, it is certain that a desirable result will be achieved.

My thirteenth symbol in the series of 100 sacred symbols is is a symbol from Adinkra, the Nyamedua.

Nteasee is the Akan word for “understanding.” It is a symbol of understanding and cooperation.

"Mmere Dane" in the Akan language means “time changes” or “times change.” It is a symbol for the temporariness of good times. Good situations are not permanent so the fortunate should not boast; bad situations are not permanent so the less fortunate should not give up. No condition is permanent, hence, man should be humble, cooperative and hopeful in all his endeavors.

Sankofa is often expressed in the Akan language as "sewo were fi nawosankofa a yenki". Which means it is not an abomination to return and take what you forgot. Sankofa teaches that to record successes and move forward, we have to return to our roots. In other words, Sankofa translates to gathering good lessons learned in our past and using them to achieve future goals.

"Aya" in the Akan language means “fern.” It is a symbol of endurance, independence, defiance against difficulties, hardiness, perseverance, and resourcefulness.

"Akofena" in the Akan language means “sword of war.” It also represents the state ceremonial swords. It is a symbol of state authority, legality, the legitimized 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.

Aban is the Akan word for “fortress” or “castle.” It is a symbol of strength, seat of power, authority, and magnificence.

"Akofena" in the Akan language means “sword of war.” It also represents the state ceremonial swords. It is a symbol of state authority, legality, the legitimized 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.

Mpatapo in the Akan language means “pacification knot.” It is a symbol of pacification, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

African symbol of greatness of the sun.

Sankofa is often expressed in the Akan language as "sewo were fi nawosankofa a yenki". Which means it is not an abomination to return and take what you forgot. Sankofa teaches that to record successes and move forward, we have to return to our roots. In other words, Sankofa translates to gathering good lessons learned in our past and using them to achieve future goals.

Denkyem means “crocodile” in the Akan language. It is a symbol of adaptability, cleverness. From the Akan proverb, “Ɔdɛnkyɛm da nsuo mu nanso ɔhome mframa,” which means, “The crocodile lives in water yet it breathes air.” One may attribute the adaptability of the reptile to himself to show his own adaptability and ingenuity coupled with formidability and mystery. The idea that it takes ingenuity to live in water but breathe air comes from the inability of humans to do that. Hence, the anthropomorphized crocodile becomes a symbol that embodies superhuman traits the user desires to communicate about himself.

A design from DodgertonSkillhause Productions.

"Odo Nnyew Fie Kwan" means “Love does not lose its way home" in the Akan language. Those led by love always end up in the right place. The idea that one is certain to arrive at a desired end if his motives are pure is embedded in this phrase. One may not know exactly what steps to take to reach the final destination. He may not even know what a good final destination is, however, if he is dedicated to love and is optimistic in his outlook that something positive and beneficial can be derived, it is certain that a desirable result will be achieved.

"Gye Nyame" means “Except God” in the Akan language. It expresses the omnipotence and supremacy of God in all affairs. "Gye Nyame" is arguably the most popular Adinkra symbol. It expresses the deep faith the Akans have in the Supreme Being, called by many names and titles including Onyame (Nyame), Onyankopɔn, Twereduampɔn (the reliable one), and many others.

Sankofa is often expressed in the Akan language as "sewo were fi nawosankofa a yenki". Which means it is not an abomination to return and take what you forgot. Sankofa teaches that to record successes and move forward, we have to return to our roots. In other words, Sankofa translates to gathering good lessons learned in our past and using them to achieve future goals.

"Akofena" in the Akan language means “sword of war.” It also represents the state ceremonial swords. It is a symbol of state authority, legality, the legitimized 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.

"Gye Nyame" means “Except God” in the Akan language. It expresses the omnipotence and supremacy of God in all affairs. "Gye Nyame" is arguably the most popular Adinkra symbol. It expresses the deep faith the Akans have in the Supreme Being, called by many names and titles including Onyame (Nyame), Onyankopɔn, Twereduampɔn (the reliable one), and many others.

"Akofena" in the Akan language means “sword of war.” It also represents the state ceremonial swords. It is a symbol of state authority, legality, the legitimized 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.

Adinkra symbols were originally created by the Bono people of Gyaman, an Akan people of Ghana.

DWANNIMMEM is the "Ram’s horn", it represents concealment, humility, strength, wisdom, and learning!

Asase Ye Duru- The earth has weight. A symbol of providence and the divinity of Mother Earth.

AGYINDUWURA "Obligation" is a symbol of faithfulness, alertness, and dutifulness!

NKONTIM is the "hair of the Queen’s servant", it represents loyalty and service!

DUAFE is a "wooden comb", it symbolizes beauty, hygiene, and feminine qualities!

GYE NYAME means "except for God", it is a symbol of God’s supremacy!

white Nsoromma symbol

NYANSAPO symbol Adinkra Symbol Wisdom knot. A symbol of wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence, and patience. The proverb associated with this Adinkra is "Nyansapo wosane no badwenma," to wit, "A wisdom knot is untied (only) by the wise."

KWATAKYE ATIKO is the "Hair style of an Asante war captain", it is the symbol of bravery and valor!

BI NKA BI means "no one should bite the other", it represents peace and harmony!

NYAME NTI Adinkra Symbol meaning - Because of God (by God's grace), I won't feed on leaves

SUNSUM is "the Soul", it represents spirituality, purity, and everlasting!