Adinkra Symbols (Funeral Symbols)

Adinkra (sometimes, andinkra) symbols are the small symbolic pictures used by fabric designers in Ghana to decorate a special colorful patterned cloth . Designs are made by cutting patterns into pieces of calabash gourd, then stamping them on fabric with black ink made from iron oxide pigments.  The fabric is woven in varied colors and patterns, and used for funerals, weddings, and other special occasions. Adinkra cloth is not used for everyday purposes because it cannot be washed.

The name Adinkra comes from the legendary King conquered by the Ashante people,who, according to legend, wore luxurious patterned fabrics. Adinkra means “goodbye,” and the special cloth was reserved for funeral garments.

Adinkra fabric is now used for a variety of special occasions, and there are dozens of adinkra symbols used to impart a variety of meanings to the finished cloth. Many symbolize virtues, folk tales and proverbs, animals, and even historical events.  Most are very old, having been passed down through generations of craftsmen.

The list below shows some of the more popular symbols and their meanings. Adinkra was not developed as a divination system, but like the Celtic Ogham, it lends itself easily to the purpose.

Symbol:	Name:	Meaning:
	Aya, fern	defiance, independence, resourcefulness
	Kojo Baiden (rays)	Cosmos, omnipresence
	Gya Nyame	Presence of God, or “God alone” (Not, as some have suggested, “Only God can judge me”)
	Fihankra, house	Security, safety
	Osrane ne nsoroma (Ram’s horns)	Wisdom, learning, humility
	Ohene (king)	Foresight, wisdom
	Kuntenkanten (arrogance, pride)	Humility and modesty
	Bin nkabi (None bite another)	Do not seek revenge, avoid conflict
	Krado	Law, authority
	Funtunfunafu (crocodiles sharing one stomach)	Need for unity, working together
	Gyawu (Hair of the hero Kwatakye)	Valor, Respect, leadership
	Akoko Nan (Chicken’s claw)	Protectiveness, loving discipline
	Sankofa (return and get it)	Mistakes can be rectified, look to the past for solutions. Sankofa is also depicted as a backwards-looking goose.
	Duafe (comb)	Feminine virtue, everlasting love
	Odenkyem (crocodile)	Defense, protection
	Adwo	Peace, calmness under pressure
	Akoben (war horn)	Willingness to take charge
	Nkyinkyim	Endurance, grace under hardship
	Wawa aba (Wawa seed)	Overcoming barriers, movement, progression
	Osrane Nsorama (Sun and moon)	Marriage, fidelity, patience
	Kramobone	One bad makes all look bad
	Pagya (flint for fire making)	Bravery, striking out
	Nkontim (hair of the Queen’s servant)	Loyalty, Readiness to serve
	Owuo Atwedee (ladder)	Fate, inevitabilty