Home > Articles > Adinkra Symbols & Meaning
Adinkra Symbols & Meaning
| Symbol | Name | Meaning |
 | Gye Nyame | Gye Nyame means “Except God.” It expresses the omnipotence and supremacy of God in all affairs. Gye Nyame is arguably the most popular Adinkra symbol. It expresses the deep faith the Akans have in the Supreme Being, called by many names and titles including Onyame (Nyame), Onyankopɔn, Twereduampɔn (the reliable one), and many others. |
 | Wawa Aba | Wawa Aba literally means “seed of the wawa,” that is, seed of the wawa plant (Triplochiton scleroxylon). This seed is reputed for its hardness. Thus, Wawa Aba is a symbol of hardness, strength, toughness, endurance, durability, and so on. The wood of the wawa plant is popular in the region for its use in building and carpentry. |
 | Nsaa | Nsaa is a type of woven cloth. It is a symbol of excellence, genuineness, authenticity; from the Akan proverb “Nea onnim nsaa na oto n’ago,” to wit, he who does not know quality nsaa will buy the fakes. Craftsmanship is an indispensable quality in the weaving of cloth. Whether Kente or some other fabric, the traditional methods of weaving involve a laborious process of joining yarns together thread by thread to form thin strips which are then sewn together. Modern technology has afforded us the opportunity to be able to generate similitudes of authentic woven cloths at scale but their value cannot surpass that of the woven cloth. The infusion of human effort in the creation of the fabric amplifies its value. It shows an appreciation for craftsmanship, effort, authenticity, and thoughtfulness in the creation of the cloth. It confirms the tacit contract between the creator and the customer—an implied understanding that they share common tastes and values. |
 | Hwehwemudua | Hwehwemudua means “rod of investigation,” that is, a measuring rod. It is a symbol of excellence, superior quality, perfection, knowledge, and critical examination. |
 | Akoma Ntoaso | Akoma Ntoaso means “the joining of hearts.” It could also mean “united hearts.” It is a symbol of agreement, togetherness and unity or a charter; an amplification of the concept of Akoma. |
 | Akoben | Akoben means “war horn.” It is a symbol of a call to action, readiness to be called to action, readiness, and voluntarism. The war horn was blown to assemble the nation for war. Everybody had to be alert to interpret the message that it was being used to convey so as to respond with the right action. |
 | Woforo Dua Pa A | Woforo Dua Pa A means “when you climb a good tree.” It is from the Akan proverb “Woforo dua pa a na yepia wo,” meaning “It is when you climb a good tree that we give you a push.” It is a symbol of support for good causes. |
 | Duafe | Duafe means “wooden comb.” It is a symbol of feminine consideration or good feminine qualities such as patience, prudence, fondness, love, and care. |
 | Funtumfunefu Denkyemfunefu | Funtumfunefu Denkyemfunefu represents two mythical crocodiles (or one, depending on how one looks at it) with one shared stomach. It is a symbol of unity in diversity giving a common destiny; sharing. The proverb from which the symbol is derived is “Funtumfunafu Denkyemfunafu, wowo yafunu koro nanso wonya biribi a wofom efiri se aduane no de no yete no wo menetwitwie mu,” to wit, Funtumfunafu and denkyemfunafu share a stomach but when they get something (food) they strive over it because the sweetness of the food is felt as it passes through the throat. |
 | Abe Dua | Abe Dua means “palm tree.” It is a symbol of wealth, resourcefulness, and self-sufficiency. The palm tree is a symbol resourcefulnees because many diverse products emanate from that single tree: wine, oil, brooms, roofing material, etc. |
 | Asase Ye Duru | Asase Ye Duru means “the earth has weight.” It is a symbol of providence and the divinity of Mother Earth. |
 | Nteasee | Nteasee is the Akan word for “understanding.” It is a symbol of understanding and cooperation. |
 | Osram ne Nsoromma | Osram ne Nsoromma means “moon and star.” It is a symbol of faithfulness, fondness, harmony, benevolence, love, loyalty, and femininity, from the proverb, “Kyekye pe awaree,” meaning “The North Star loves marriage.” She is always in the sky waiting for the return of the moon, her husband. (Bruce Wills) |
 | Nyame Dua | God’s tree (sacred stump). A symbol of God’s presence and protection |
 | UAC Nkanea | UAC Nkanea means “UAC lights.” It is a symbol of technological advancement. |
 | Dono | Dono is a type of tension talking drum. It is a symbol of appelation, praise, goodwill and rhythm. Dono is a type of tension talking drum with strings connecting both ends which are covered with animal skins. It is usually held under the armpit and produces a different sound based on how tightly it is gripped under the arm. It is a symbol of appelation, praise, goodwill and rhythm. |
 | Okuafo Pa | Okuafo Pa means “good farmer.” It is a symbol of diligence, hard work, and entrepreneurship |
 | Mpuannum | Mpuannum means “five tufts” (of hair). It is a symbol of loyalty and priestly office. |
 | Mframadan | Mframadan means “well-ventilated house.” A symbol of resilience and readiness to face the vicissitudes of life. The Akan house is not only well ventilated, it is resilient and can withstand the hazards of storms, rainfall and the tropical hot weather. |
 | Aban | Aban is the Akan word for “fortress” or “castle.” It is a symbol of strength, seat of power, authority, and magnificence. |
 | Dwennimmen | Dwennimmen means “ram’s horns”. It is a symbol of humility together with strength. The ram will fight fiercely against an adversary, but it also submits humbly to slaughter, emphasizing that even the strong need to be humble. |
 | Sankofa | Sankofa means “Go back and get it.” As the Akan proverb goes, “Se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri.” To wit, it is not taboo to go back and get something after you have forgotten it. More literally, it means if you forget and you go back to get it, there is nothing wrong with it. |
 | Ananse Ntentan | Ananse Ntentan means “spider’s web.” The spider in Akan folklore–Ananse–is crafty and creative, and always outwitting his contemporaries by fair or foul means. Ananse Ntentan is a symbol of wisdom, craftiness, creativity, and the complexities of life. |
 | Akoko Nan | The foot of a hen. It is a symbol for nurturing coupled with discipline. This Adinkra is from the proverb, “Akoko nan tia ba na enkum ba,” literally, “The foot of a hen steps on the child (chick) but it doesn’t kill the child (chick).” |
 | Adwo | Adwo means calmness. It is a symbol for peace, tranquility, and quiet. |
 | Bi Nka Bi | Bi Nka Bi means “Nobody should bite another.” It is a symbol of justice, fairplay, freedom, peace, forgiveness, unity, harmony, and the avoidance of conflict or strife. |
 | Aya | Aya means “fern.” It is a symbol of endurance, independence, defiance against difficulties, hardiness, perseverance, and resourcefulness. |
 | Duafe | Duafe means “wooden comb.” It i a symbol of feminine consideration or good feminine qualities such as patience, prudence, fondness, love, and care. |
 | Bese Saka | Bese Saka is a bunch of cola nuts. It is a symbol of affluence, power, abundance, plenty, togetherness, and unity. |