INSPIRATION
Adinkra is Akan Wisdom
Adinkra symbols represent sayings, concepts and the wisdom of the Asante and Akan people of Ghana, West Africa.
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Each symbol conveys a special meaning. They can be found all over Ghana, on fabrics, pottery, homes and even worn as jewellery.
Adinkra symbols are believed to have originated from the former kingdom of Gyaman, which is thought to be today's Cote D'Ivoire and the Bono region of Ghana.
They were created by a Gyaman chief called Nana Kwadwo Agyemang Adinkra in the early 1800s. The symbols were stamped on cloths for royalty and spiritual leaders, and were often used for important ceremonies such as funerals. Adinkra means farewell, goodbye.
During the Asante-Gyaman war in the 19th century, the Asantes of Ghana defeated Nana Adinkra. The Asantes with time then adopted Adinkra symbols.
Since then, its use has spread through Ghana and Adinkra is now a symbol of the richness of Akan and Ghanaian culture.
