Adinkra Stamps and Symbols

Adinkra stamps are made from calabash shell (a type of gourd or large hard shelled fruit) and the motif design is cut out of the smooth outer surface of the calabash shell. Each stamp has a handle made of wooden spikes that are pushed into holes in softer material of the back of the stamp. Each adinkra symbol has a name and one or more meanings. Many are named after natural or man-made things. Can you find any that portray the things they are named after?

Gye Nyame

Symbol of the all powerful and everlasting nature of God.

Adinkrahene (Adinkra king)

Chief of all the adinkra designs, forms the basis of adinkra printing.

Owuo atwedie, baako mmfo

All men shall climb the ladder of death.

Kra pa

Symbol of sanctity and good fortune. ’Kra pa te se okra; okyiri fi‘ - ‘sanctity like a cat, abhors filth’.

Nsoromma (child of the heavens)

Star. ’Oba Nyankonsoromma te Nyame na onnte ne ho so‘ -
Child of God - his brightness is a reflection of God‘s

Krado - Mmara krado

Seal of law and order. Symbolising the authority of the court.

Aya (the fern)

This word also means ’I am not afraid of you.‘ A symbol of defiance.

Osrane ne nsoromma (moon and star)

A symbol of faithfulness

Kontire ne Akwam (elders of the state)

’Tikoro mmpam‘ (one head does not constitute a council)

Akoma ntoaso

A symbol of agreement.

Funtumfunafu

A need for unity particularly where there is one destiny.

Dame-dame (a drafts game)

A more traditionally popular game is the ’Oware‘.

Pempamsie (that which will not crush)

’Pempamsie se, bebrebe ahooden ne koroye‘. Unity is strength.

In this section

• The next page in this section is : Design your own adinkra cloth online
• Adinkra cloth

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