Adinkra symbols where developed by the peoples of Ghana and Cote' d'lvoire for use in decorating fabric and can be traced back to the 17th century. Over time, the number of symbols grew. In modern times, they have been used for every-day wear, as well as for special occasions.
The word "adinkra" means goodbye because originally clothes adorned with Adinkra symbols were only worn during ceremonies to honor the dead. The symbols worn on the mourner's clothing expressed the qualities attributed to the deceased.
The symbols are created by cutting a stamp out of the thick skin of a calabash gourd. The stamp is dipped in dye, made from tree bark, and then repeatedly pressed onto cloth to create patterns. Adinkra provides a remarkable display of the values of the Ashanti people, developed over many generations. The tradition continues to flourish in Ghana, today.
Each adinkra symbol has a unique name and meaning derived either from a proverb, a historical event, human attitude, animal behavior, plant life, forms and shapes of inanimate and man-made objects. Their meanings of motifs may be categorized as follows: Aesthetics, Ethics, Human Relations and Religious concepts.
Some Adinkrah symbols;
NSOROMA
" child of the heavens [stars] "
symbol of guardianship
SEPOW "The dagger or executioner's knife" Symbol of justice and punishment.
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