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63 African Symbols For

Creative Design

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By: Mawuna Remarque KOUTONIN

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/author/admin/)
DONATE (HTTP://WWW.SILICONAFRICA.COM/SUPPORT-SILICON-AFRICA-MAKE-DONATION/)
Tuesday, June 4th, 2013 at 9:27 pm.
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-

NEW ARTICLES BY
EMAIL
content/themes/directorypress/thumbs//kwat_lg1.gif)African symbols from Egypt are well
known, but now is time to discover more African symbols specially from West Africa, called

Email *

Adinkra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adinkra_symbols).
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

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fabrics, pottery, logos and advertising.

The symbols have a decorative function but also represent objects that encapsulate evocative
messages that convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life or the environment.

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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

SiliconAfrica

designers for inspiration in logo, websites, clothes, jewelery and fashion design, not forget for

Like

tattoos (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/tattoos.htm).
3,714 people like SiliconAfrica.

You can try to win the complete pack of the 63 images in high resolution here
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/high-resolution-pack-of-the-63-african-symbols-to-win-forfree/).

1. SANKOFA
return and get it

Facebook social plugin

symbol of importance of learning from the past

LATEST NEWS

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/the-s-warhow-social-is-slowly-killing-search/)
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//sank_lg.gif)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wpcontent/themes/directorypress/thumbs//sank2_lg.gif)

2. WO NSA DA MU A
If your hands are
in the dish
symbol of participatory government,
democracy and pluralism

The
"S"
War:
How
"Social"
is
Killing
"Search"
(http://www.s
swarhowsocialisslowlykillingsearch/)
You'll
Be
Silent

From the aphorism, Wo nsa da mu

a, wonni nnya wo If your hands
are in the dish, people do not eat

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/you-will-besilent/)

everything and leave you nothing.

Source: Cloth As Metaphor
(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/)
by G.F. Kojo Arthur
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//wonsa_lg.gif)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/brazil-howpropaganda-and-violence-distortdemocracy/)

3. SESA WO SUBAN
Change or
transform your
character
This symbol combines two separate
adinkra symbols, the Morning
Star which can mean a new start to
the day, placed inside the wheel,

Brazil:
How
Propaganda
and
Violence
Distort
Democracy
(http://www.s
howpropagandaandviolencedistortdemocracy/)

Occupy
Europe
(http://www.s
europe/)

symbol of life transformation

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//sesa_lg.gif)

(http://www.s
willbesilent/)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/occupyeurope/)

representing rotation or
independent movement.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/the-darktruth-about-why-south-africa-destroyedits-nuclear-weapons-in-1990/)

4. WAWA ABA
seed of the wawa
tree
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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//wawa_lg.gif)

5. TAMFO BEBRE
the enemy will
stew in his own
juice
symbol of jealousy and envy

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/where-arethe-african-men/)
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//tam f_lg.gif)

6. WOFORO DUA PA A

The
Dark
Truth
About
Why
South
Africa
Destroyed
Its
Nuclear
Weapons
in
1990
(http://www.s
darktruthaboutwhysouthafricadestroyeditsnuclearweaponsin1990/)

Where
Are
the
African
Men?
(http://www.s
aretheafricanmen/)
90%
of

when you climb a

good tree
symbol of support, cooperation and
encouragement

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/90-of-topchinese-government-officials-arescientists-engineers/)

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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/go-wheretwitter-and-facebook-couldnt-go/)
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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//pem p_lg.gif)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/we-needyou-to-lead-us/)

8. OWUO ATWEDEE
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

of
Top
Chinese
Government
Officials
are
Scientists
&
Engineers
(http://www.s
oftopchinesegovernmentofficialsarescientistsengineers/)

Go
Where
Twitter
and
Facebook
Couldn't
Go
(http://www.s
wheretwitterandfacebookcouldntgo/)

We
Need
You
to
Lead
Us
(http://www.s
needyoutoleadus/)

be a worthy soul in the afterlife

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/a-movieproject-on-africa-best-mind-intechnology-and-innovation/)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//owuoatwedee_lg.gif)

9. OWO FORO ADOBE

snake climbing the
raffia tree
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//owof_lg.gif)

symbol of steadfastness, prudence

and
diligence

A
Movie
Project
on
Africa
Best
Minds
in
Tech
&
Innovation
Needs
your
support
on
Kickstarter
(http://www.s

movieprojectonafricabestmindintechnologyandinnovation/)

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.

10. OSRAM NE NSOROMMA

The Moon and the Star
symbol of love, faithfulness, harmony

TAGS

This symbol reflects the harmony that exists in the bonding

Africa
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/
waiting for the return of the moon, her husband.) from The
between a man and a woman. Proverb: Kyekye pe aware. (The

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//osra_lg.gif)

North Star has a deep love for marriage. She is always in the sky

africa colonialism
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africacolonialism/) Africa development
(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/books.htm#adinkra_dictionary))
Adinkra Dictionary

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africadevelopment/) africa

11. ONYANKOPON ADOM NTI BIRIBIARA BEYE

YIE
By Gods grace, all
will be well

diaspora
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/afric
diaspora/) africa history
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africahistory/) Africa immigration

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africaimmigration/) African history

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africanhistory/) African It companies

symbol of hope, providence, faith

(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/african-it-companies/)
African mobile startups
(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/african-mobile-

Source: Cloth As Metaphor

startups/)

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

African startups
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/afr
startups/)
african students abroad

(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/african-students-

Africa problems
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/
problems/) Africa
Renaissance
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/
renaissance/) Africa
abroad/)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//ony an_lg.gif)

tech people
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/africatech-people/) best african startups

12. OKODEE MMOWERE

(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/best-african-startups/)

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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//okodee_lg.gif)

13. ODO NNYEW FIE KWAN

Best startups in Africa

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/be
startups-in-africa/)
Business

angels in Africa
(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/business-angels-inafrica/) Business incubators in Africa
(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/business-incubators-inafrica/) Digital Colonization

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/digitalcolonization/)

Doing Business
in Africa
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/doin
business-in-africa/)
ecommerce in Africa
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/ecommercein-africa/) European violence
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/europeanviolence/) FabLabs
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/fablabs/)
Ghana
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/ghana/)
innovation aw ard africa
(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/innovation-aw ardafrica/) Internet in Africa

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

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/internetusage-in-africa/) Kenya
(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/kenya/) leadership
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/leadership/)

leadership lessons

Love never loses its

way home
symbol of the power of love

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/leadershiplessons/) MakerSpace
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/makerspace/)
Mandela treason
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/mandelatreason/) propaganda in Africa
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/propagandain-africa/)

return to Africa
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/retur
to-africa/) Silicon Africa
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/siliconafrica/) South Africa

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//odon_lg.gif)

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

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

Startups in africa
(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/startupsin-africa/) Startups To Follow In Africa

14. NYANSAPO
wisdom knot

(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/startups-to-follow -inafrica/) Tech Africa

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

Technology in
Africa
idea that a wise person has the capacity to(http://www.siliconafrica.com/tag/
choose the best means
to attain a goal. Being wise implies broad knowledge, learning and
in-africa/)
experience, and the ability to apply such faculties to practical
symbol of wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence and patience
africa/)

A especially revered symbol of the Akan, this symbol conveys the

Tech people africa

(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/tech-people-africa/)
ends. (Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary Web application in Africa
(http://w w w .siliconafrica.com/tag/w eb-application-in(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/books.htm#adinkra_dictionary))
africa/)

YOU CAN WIN

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//ny an_lg.gif)

Enter 2 Win
Win High Resolution
Pack of 63 African
Adinkra Symbols For
Free

15. NYAME YE OHENE

100 sharers will be selected

randomly.

God is King

Ends in: Promotion ended

symbol of majesty and supremacy of

God
Source: Cloth As Metaphor

ENTER TO WIN

Answer this Question!

(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/) Which article is the most Popular

by G.F. Kojo Arthur

on SiliconAfrica? (Hint: The most

liked on Facebook)
Select your answ er

Submit answer
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//ny am eohene_lg.gif)

16. NYAME NTI

GOOGLE ADSENSE
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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//ny am enti_lg.gif)

Rules
Pow ered By: Goodbuzz.net

17. NYAME NNWU NA MAWU

God never dies,
therefore I cannot
die
symbol of Gods omnipresence
and the perpetual existence of
mans spirit
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//ny awu_lg.gif)

This signifies the immortality of

mans soul, believed to be a part
of God. Because the soul rests
with God after death, it cannot
die.

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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//ny abi_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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//nsor_lg.gif)

20. NSAA
a type of hand-woven
fabric
symbol of excellence, genuineness,
authenticity According to The
Adinkra Dictionary by W. Bruce
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//nsaa_lg.gif)

Willis, the nsaa

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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//nky i_lg.gif)

22. NKYIMU
the crossed
divisions made on
adinkra cloth
before stamping
symbol of
skillfulness, precision Before
adinkra cloth is stamped with
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//nky im u_lg.gif)

the symbols, the

artisan blocks off the cloth with
lines in a 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

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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//ny am edua_lg.gif)

earthenware vessell filled

with water and herbs or other
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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//neaope_lg.gif)

26. NEA ONNIM NO SUA A, OHU

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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//m pua_lg.gif)

priestesses hair was tied. It also

represents the devotion and
faithfulness one 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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//m pat_lg.gif)

parties in a dispute to a peaceful,

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

29. MMUSUYIDEE
that which removes
bad luck
symbol of good furtune and
sanctity

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//m m us_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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//m m eredane_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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//m fra_lg.gif)

constitutution of the Golden Stool.

Oral acocunts say
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

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. Kojo Arthur, pp. 89, 163.
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//m ewarewo_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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//m ate_lg.gif)

it also represents the prudence of

taking into
consideration what another person
has said.

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 bravery and
fearlessness. It is also
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wp-

given as an earned title to any

content/them es/directory press/thum bs//kwat_lg.gif)

brave son of an Akan community.

- W. Bruce Willis, The Adinkra
Dictionary

35. KINTINKANTAN
puffed up
extravagance
symbol of arrogance

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//hy ew_lg.gif)

inspiration to others to endure

and
overcome difficulties.

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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//hwem _lg.gif)

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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//gy en_lg.gif)

people

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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//funt_lg.gif)

a remind that infighting and

tribalism is harmful to all who
engage in it.

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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//fofo_lg.gif)

nature
of this plant to a jealous person.
The Adinkra Dictionary by W.
Bruce Willis
There is a Akan proverb associated
with this symbol: What the fofo
plant
wishes is that the gyinantwi seeds
turn black.

42. FIHANKRA
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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//fawo_lg.gif)

G.F. Kojo Arthur

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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//esen_lg.gif)

together.

45. EPA
handcuffs
symbol of law and justice, slavery
and captivity Adolph
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//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 and secures the
family from the
outside. Because of the security and the protection that a fence
affords, the
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wp-

symbol is also associated with the security and safety one finds in

content/them es/directory press/thum bs//eban_lg.gif)

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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//dwen_lg.gif)

need to be humble.

48. DUAFE
wooden comb
symbol of beauty and cleanliness;
symbols of desirable
feminine qualities The meaning of
this symbol is characterized
slightly
differently in The Adinkra
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//duafe_lg.gif)

Dictionary and The Values of

Adinkra Symbols;
the former emphasizes more
abstract qualities of feminine
goodness, love and
care, while the latter has a more
literal 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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//denk_lg.gif)

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

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//dam e_lg.gif)

51. BOA ME NA ME MMOA WO

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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//boam _lg.gif)

52. BI NKA BI
No one should bite
the other
symbol of peace and harmony This
symbol
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//bink_lg.gif)

cautions against provocation and

strife. The image is based on two
fish biting
each other tails.

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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wp-

life of Ghana. A widely-used cash

content/them es/directory press/thum bs//bese_lg.gif)

crop, it is closely associated with

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

54. AYA
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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//ay a_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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//adin_lg.gif)

leadership role.

57. AKOBEN
war horn symbol of vigilance and
wariness Akoben is a horn
used to sound a battle cry.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//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
(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//akok_lg.gif)

protective and
corrective. An exhortation to
nurture children, but a warning not
to pamper
them.

60. AKOMA NTOSO

linked hearts
symbol of understanding and
agreement

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//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 /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//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)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//adinkra_dictionary .gif)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//african_designs.jpg)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//african_design.gif)

(http://www.siliconafrica.com /wpcontent/them es/directory press/thum bs//african_design_book.gif)

The Adinkra dictionary : A Visual Prim er on the Language of Adinkra

(http://www.am azon.com /exec/obidos/ASIN/09 6 6 1 53 2 1 9 /adinkrasy m bol2 0) by W. Bruce Willis
($2 2 -$2 5, depending on condition; 3 1 4 pages) The m ost com prehensiv e
guide to
adinkra av ailable, with detailed inform ation and alternativ e v ersions of
each
sy m bol, plus the history of Ghana, the dev elopm ent of Ashanti culture, and
a
brief intro to the Twi languageall in 3 1 4 pages! No longer av ailable from
the
publisher; I bought this used on Am azon for about $2 5, and it is really worth
it,
if y ou are interested in adinkra and Ghana in general.If y ou dont see a copy
av ailable at a reasonable price on Am azon, check back again. The supply of
books
depends on the secondhand book dealers that work through Am azon.
African Designs from Traditional Sources
(http://www.am azon.com /exec/obidos/ASIN/04 86 2 2 7 52 9 /adinkrasy m bol2 0) by Geoffrey William s ($1 0.3 6 ; 2 00 pages; 3 7 8
illustrations) A wide range of designs and sy m bols from African tribes
including
the Ashanti that can be reproduced or enlarged for use in art and design
projects.
Traditional African Designs
(http://www.am azon.com /exec/obidos/ASIN/04 86 2 9 6 2 2 9 /adinkrasy m bol2 0) by Gregory Mirow ($6 .9 5; 4 3 pages, 2 00 illustrations) A
inexpensiv e book of clip art, which includes adinkra am ong other African
traditional designs, which can be used in a wide v ariety of craft and design
projects.

African Designs of the Congo, Nigeria, the Cam eroons and the Guinea Coast
(http://www.am azon.com /exec/obidos/ASIN/08804 509 3 2 /adinkrasy m bol2 0) by Caren
Caraway ($1 1 .1 7 ; 1 4 4 pages) Copy right-free art from som e of Ghanas
neighboring
countries, which can be used for graphic treatm ents, craft designs, and
interior
or exterior decoration.

M'agrada

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8 comments

Add a comment

Anthony Candid Chileke

Follow Unique computer institute owerri

this wonderful. A sanctuary for me. I can now rest my thoughts and
pen. Thanks...
Reply Like

1 Follow Post October 26, 2013 at 8:17am

Penina S. Finger
Machine

Follow

Top Commenter Owner at The Fantastic

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 Follow Post November 16, 2013 at 6:56pm
King C. Asante-Yeboa
Follow
Top Commenter Works
at AFRICAN CENTER * * CENTRE AFRICAIN
They are normally used on Ghanaian cloths and traditional
attires.
Reply Like February 9 at 12:23pm
Val Serrant
Top Commenter Independent Contractor/External
Relations. at Self Employed Artist
ALKEBU-LAN....ASE! ASE! ASE-O!
Reply Like

2 Follow Post December 21, 2013 at 8:09pm

Jabulani Phelago

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Good knowledge - depth ...

Reply Like Follow Post December 21, 2013 at 11:01am
Roger Frjus Denver, Colorado
thank you so much. you did a nice work.
Reply Like Follow Post December 31, 2013 at 8:27am
Joe L Sherard

Follow Community College of Philadelphia

i want number 15!!!!!

Reply Like Follow Post January 27 at 11:51pm
Facebook social plugin

6 Responses to 63 African Symbols For Creative

Design
1.

Penina S. Finger November 16, 2013 (http://www.siliconafrica.com/african-symbols-

for-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)
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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