Adinkra Symbol Tapestries

"Dweninmmen" in the Akan language means “the horns of a ram.” It represents strength (in mind, body, and soul), humility, wisdom, and learning. What is it about the horns of a ram? They are strong; they are fierce; they can be intimidating; they are a defense. Dweninmmen is a symbol of strength with humility.

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.

Adinkra symbols were originally created by the Bono people of Gyaman, an Akan people of Ghana. The symbols have a decorative function but also represent objects that encapsulate evocative messages that convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life or the environment.

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

"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.

"Dweninmmen" in the Akan language means “the horns of a ram.” It represents strength (in mind, body, and soul), humility, wisdom, and learning. What is it about the horns of a ram? They are strong; they are fierce; they can be intimidating; they are a defense. Dweninmmen is a symbol of strength with humility.

power of lion

"Dweninmmen" in the Akan language means “the horns of a ram.” It represents strength (in mind, body, and soul), humility, wisdom, and learning. What is it about the horns of a ram? They are strong; they are fierce; they can be intimidating; they are a defense. Dweninmmen is a symbol of strength with humility.

Adinkra symbols were originally created by the Bono people of Gyaman, an Akan people of Ghana. The symbols have a decorative function but also represent objects that encapsulate evocative messages that convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life or the environment.

Strong Black Woman Natural Hair covered in adinkra symbols with the message in black letter to have no fear

The Dwennimmen is an Adinkra symbol with its origins in Ghana. Dweninmmen means “the horns of a ram.” and represents strength, humility, wisdom, and learning.

"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.

The Dwennimmen is an Adinkra symbol with its origins in Ghana. Dweninmmen means “the horns of a ram.” and represents strength, humility, wisdom, and learning.

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

Adinkra Sankofa Symbol meaning "Universe"

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.

African Adinkra Symbols meaning Justice.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

"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.

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.

"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.

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.

"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.