Adinkra Patterns with Meaning
Adinkra are visual symbols with historical and philosophical significance originally printed on cloth which Asante royals wore to important ceremonies. Originating from the Asantes of Ghana, the symbols have assumed global importance and are now found on objects like furniture, sculpture, earthenware pots and casual wear.
Odo Nyera Fie Kwan
Love does not miss its way home
Those led by love will never lose their way.
Akoma
Heart
A symbol of patience and tolerance
Nsoromma
Child of the heavens (star)
Tamfo Bebre
The enemy will suffer
A symbol connoting the awareness of ill-will, jealousy and envy
Denkyem
Crocodile
A symbol of adaptability, cleverness
Duafe
Wooden comb
A symbol of beauty, hygiene
Nyame Nwu na Mawu
God won’t die for me to die
A symbol of the immortality of man (man’s soul)
Adwo
Calmness
Peace, tranquility, and quiet
Dwannini Mmen
Ram’s horns
A symbol of strength and humility
Akoma Ntoaso
Extension of the heart
Charter, agreement
Abe Dua
Palm tree
A symbol of wealth, resourcefulness, and self-sufficiency
Nyame Dua
God’s tree (sacred stump)
A symbol of God’s presence and protection
Akoben
War horn
A symbol of vigilance and wariness
Kuronti ne Akwamu
Kuronti and Akwamu
A symbol of democracy, sharing ideas, taking council
Akoko Nan
Leg of a hen
A symbol of nurturing coupled with discipline
Hwehwemudua
Measuring rod (investigation rod)
A symbol of high quality and excellence
Mpatapo
Pacification knot
A symbol of pacification, forgiveness, and reconciliation
Nsaa
A type of woven cloth
A symbol of excellence, genuineness, authenticity
Okuafo Pa
Good farmer
A symbol of diligence, hardwork, entrepreneurship
Nkonsonkonson
Chain
A symbol of unity, community
Sepow
Executioner’s knife
A symbol of justice
Aban
Fortress
A symbol of strength and authority
Menso Wo Kenten
I am not carrying your basket
A symbol of industry, self-reliance, and economic self-determination
Nea Onnim
He who does not know
A symbol of knowledge and learning
Funtumfunafu Denkyemfunafu
Conjoined crocodiles
A symbol of unity in diversity given a common destiny; sharing
Mframadan
Well-ventilated house
A symbol of resilience and readiness to face the vicissitudes of life
Osram ne Nsoromma
Moon and star
A symbol of faithfulness, fidelity
Woforo Dua Pa A
When you climb a good tree
A symbol of support for good causes
Gye Nyame
Except God
A symbol expressing the omnipotence of God
UAC Nkanea
UAC lights
A symbol of technological advancement
Bese Saka
Bunch of cola nuts
A symbol of afluence, power, and abundance
Mpuannum
Five tufts (of hair)
A symbol of loyalty and priestly office
Epa
Handcuffs
A symbol of slavery, law and order
Dame-Dame
Chequered
A symbol of intelligence, ingenuity, and strategy
Mako
Pepper
A symbol of inequality and uneven deveopment
Mmere Dane
Time changes (times change)
A symbol of the temporariness of good times
Nkyinkyim
Twisting
A symbol depicting the twists and turns in the journey of life
Nteasee
Understanding
A symbol for understanding and cooperation
Adinkrahene
King of Adinkra symbols
A symbol of leadership and charisma
Owuo Atwedee
Ladder of death
A symbol of the certainty and universality of death
source: http://www.adinkrasymbols.org/list-adinkra-symbols/
