Everything Under the Moon

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Adinkra symbols originate with the Ashanti culture of the West African country of Ghana. Like Nordic runes in European culture, Adinkra symbols are used for divination, talismans, and decoration on buildings, fabric, etc.

Below is a chart defining the meaning of a few (not all --there are many more, from what I understand) Adinkra symbols. Next are examples of real-life applications of the symbols, and finally an informational YouTube video. Enjoy!

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Adinkra Used in Divination
Photo source: sheloya.ecrater.com/
Oracle cards.
Photo source: avmobley.tumblr.com/post/29941616318/c-aaron-mobley-heart-of-afrika-designs






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Adinkra in Daily Life




Exterior design/Architecture


The Adinkra-decorated left wing of Golden Tulip Hotel in the city of Kumasi in the country of Ghana, Africa.



Photo source: adinkra.org/htmls/adinkra/gyen3.htm






Interior Design/Furnishings, etc.
Stool with symbol as base.
Photo source: 1aakan.weebly.com/modern-day-akan.html







On Modern Clothing
Photo source: pinterest.com/source/renewproject.org/ Photo source: cafepress.com/+africa-peace+gifts zazzle.com/amiot_gallery_adinka_vieillot_look_hat_embroidered_hat-233492995160852801








On Traditional Clothing
Photo source: afroetic.com/adinkra-symbols/ Photo source: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Adinkra_printing.jpg








As Jewelry
. Photo source: culturedexpressions.com/projectstips/make-projects/








As Body Art
Henna on hands.
Photo source: lordyatta.tumblr.com/post/6658139249/adinkra-totem-by-lord-yatta
Photo source: rattatattoo.com/top-10-tribal-tattoos/adinkra-symbol-tribal-tattoo-supremacy-of-god-body-art-for-men-religious-design/
Adinkra symbols (along spine), combined
with Polynesian design (on shoulders).
Photo source: polynesiantribaltattoo.com/tattoo-type/blackink/









https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqNac3Te0FI











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Wow, these are cool !

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Yeah, I incorporated them in some artwork, and exhibited the artwork over 10 years ago. Then, I'd forgotten all about them, until recently, when I was doing some research on something else. I was like, "oh, yeah, these." So, I thought I'd share them here.





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They are powerful symbols... 'He who wants to be king' is quite interesting to me.

I've seen some of these before, especially Gye Nyame. During my junior year of high school, I took a course in African art and I remember using some of these in one of our projects. I had no idea that they were used like runes.

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Yep. Similar to Nordic rune use, one could use them for divination purposes, or decorate with them to add an auspicious energy to things. That's cool you learned about them in high school.




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