Adinkra Symbols
Boa Me Na Me Mmoa Wo
Symbol of cooperation and interdependence.
Denkyem
Symbol of cooperation and interdependence.
Gye Nyame
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 people.
Nsaa
Symbol of excellence, genuineness, authenticity. According to "The Adinkra Dictionary" by W. Bruce Willis, the nsaa symbols reflects a saying: "nea onnim nsaa oto n'ago", which he translates as "He who does not know authentic Nsaa will buy the fakes." The quality of Nsaa fabric has come to represent quality of workmanship in general.
Ntesie
Also known as 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 it also represents the prudence of taking into consideration what another person has said.
Nyame Biribi Wo Soro
Symbol of hope. A reminder that God's dwelling place is in the heaven, where he can listen to all prayers.
Nyame Nti
Symbol of faith and trust in God. Similar to Gye Nyame. 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. "
Nyansapo
Symbol of wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence and patience. An especially revered symbol of the Akan, this symbol conveys the idea that "a wise person has the capacity to choose the best means to attain a goal. Being wise implies broad knowledge, learning and experience, and the ability to apply such faculties to practical ends."
Sankofa
Symbol of importance of learning from the past
Wo Nsa Da Mu A
Symbol of participatory government, democracy and pluralism. From the aphorism, "Wo nsa da mu a, wonni nnya wo" -- "If your hands are in the dish, people do not eat everything and leave you nothing."
