Adinkra symbols are a set of ancient visual symbols that originated from the Akan people of Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Togo. These symbols have been passed down from generation to generation and have become an integral part of their culture and identity. Adinkra symbols are rich in meaning and often convey complex philosophical concepts, values, and beliefs. They are widely used in fabric design, pottery, jewelry making, and other forms of art. In this list, we will explore over 60 Adinkra symbols and their meanings, giving a glimpse into the deep symbolism and wisdom of the Akan people.
Adwo – “Peace” (represents peace and harmony)
Akofena – “Sword of war” (represents courage, valor, and heroism)
Akoma Ntoso – “Linked hearts” (represents understanding and agreement)
Akokonan – “The leg of a hen” (represents nurturing and discipline)
Akoma – “Heart” (represents patience, tolerance, and endurance)
Aya – “Fern” (represents endurance and resourcefulness)
Aya Ntuo – “The fern and its roots” (represents endurance and self-reliance)
Aya Opon – “The ladder of death” (represents the journey of life, with death being the ultimate goal)
Bese Saka – “Sack of cola nuts” (represents abundance and affluence)
Duafe – “Wooden comb” (represents beauty, femininity, and cleanliness)
Dwennimmen – “Ram’s horns” (represents strength and humility)
Ese Ne Tekrema – “The teeth and the star” (represents friendship, loyalty, and dependability)
Epa – “Handcuffs” (represents captivity and servitude)
Esuman – “Chain” (represents unity, cooperation, and interdependence)
Fawohodie – “Independence” (represents freedom and emancipation)
Fihankra – “House/compound of a chief” (represents security, safety, and leadership)
Funtunfunefu-Denkyemfunefu – “Siamese crocodiles” (represents unity, diversity, and cooperation)
Gye Nyame – “Except God” (represents the omnipotence and omnipresence of God)
Hye won hye – “That which is not easily obtained” (represents perseverance and hard work)
Kete Pa – “Good bed” (represents good hospitality and comfort)
Kwatakye Atiko – “Hairstyle of a war captive” (represents courage, valor, and bravery)
Mako – “The cowrie shell” (represents wealth, prosperity, and power)
Mate Masie – “What I hear, I keep” (represents wisdom, knowledge, and prudence)
Mmere Dane – “Time changes” (represents the importance of adaptability and flexibility)
Mmra Krado – “The moon and the morning star” (represents love, harmony, and partnership)
Mpatapo Wuo – “The knot of pacification has been untied” (represents the restoration of peace)
Nea Onnim No Sua A, Ohu – “He who does not know can know from learning” (represents the importance of knowledge and education)
Nea Ope Se Obua – “He who wants to climb a good tree” (represents ambition and hard work)
Nkonsonkonson – “Chain links” (represents unity and interconnectedness)
Nkyinkyim – “Twisting” (represents initiative, dynamism, and versatility)
Nkyimu – “The curved dagger” (represents vigilance, determination, and courage)
Nyame Biribi Wo Soro – “God is in the heavens” (represents hope and faith)
Nyame Dua – “Tree of God” (represents the presence of God and the connection between heaven and earth)
Nyame Nti – “By God’s grace” (represents faith and trust in God)
Nyame Ye Ohene – “God is king” (represents the supremacy of God)
Nya Ntow – “The moon and the sun” (represents harmony and balance)
Nsaa – “A special type of weaving comb” (represents craftsmanship, skill, and creativity)
Nsoromma – “Star” (represents greatness, leadership, and guidance)
Nteasee – “The comb and the mirror” (represents beauty, vanity, and self-examination)
Odo Nnyew Fie Kwan – “Love never loses its way home” (represents the power of love)
Ohene Aniwa – “Chief’s friend” (represents loyalty and service)
Okra/Okraa – “The hen” (represents nurturing, motherhood, and domesticity)
Okodee Mmowere – “Eagle’s talons” (represents strength, power, and leadership)
Onyankopon Adom Nti Biribiara Beye Yie – “By the grace of God, everything will be alright” (represents faith, hope, and trust in God)
Osram Ne Nsoroma – “The moon and the star” (represents love and faithfulness)
Osram Tutu – “The crab’s claw” (represents strength, tenacity, and perseverance)
Owia Kokroko – “The eagle has landed” (represents achievement, success, and accomplishment)
Sankofa – “Go back and get it” (represents the importance of learning from the past)
Sasa – “A knot” (represents sanctity, sincerity, and loyalty)
Sepow – “Small dagger” (represents protection, safety, and vigilance)
Sikyia – “Golden stool” (represents the unity and independence of the Akan people)
Sika Blawa – “Money attracts friends” (represents the power and influence of wealth)
Sika Futoro – “Golden axe” (represents wealth, strength, and hard work)
Sika Wo Antaban – “Money has wings” (represents the transitory nature of wealth)
Sinsim – “Tears of a crocodile” (represents hypocrisy and false tears)
Sunsum – “The soul” (represents the spiritual essence of a person)
Supannaa – “A comb with soft teeth” (represents tenderness, love)
Wawa Aba – “Seed of the wawa tree” (represents hardiness, toughness, and persistence)
Wo Nsa Da Mu A – “If your hands are in the dish” (represents responsibility, accountability, and ownership)
Woforo Dua Pa A – “When you climb a good tree” (represents hard work, perseverance, and success)
Woforo Nkwa Akye – “When you climb a hill, you get a clear view” (represents foresight, planning, and preparedness)
