SOME ADINKRA SYMBOLS AND MEANINGS

Gye Nyame

Gye Nyame, meaning “except for God,” symbolizes God’s omnipotence through the knowledge that people should not fear anything except for God. It expresses the omnipotence and supremacy of God in all affairs.

Another interpretation of “except for God” is that no one has seen the beginning of all creations, nor will anyone live to see the end, except for God. Gye Nyame indicates the recognition of the supremacy of God over all beings, and therefore is the one that is feared and revered by all.

NSROMA

Nsoromma, meaning “children of the heavens” or “star,” symbolizes the guardianship of God and how he watches over all beings. The protection of God is constant, like the stars in the universe. The stars also embody light, with the vision of light slicing through darkness as a savior, or protector. The symbol indicates the existence of the spiritual world, in which our ancestors and past families exist and watch over us, creating a feeling of safety and wholeness.

Nsoromma expresses the message to live life to its fullest knowing that you are supported and strengthened by God.

ASAASE YE DU

Asase Ye Duru—literally meaning “the earth has weight”—is a symbol that represents power, providence and divinity. Asase Ye Duru emphasizes the importance of the Earth and its preservation. People must respect and nurture the Earth, and should never act in ways that might directly or indirectly harm the Earth.

The significance of the Earth to King Adinkra is evident in the following proverbs: “Tumi nyina ne asase”, meaning All power emanates from the earth; and “Asase ye duru sen epo”, meaning The earth is heavier than the sea.

MATIE MASIE

“Mate Masie” translates to “what I hear, I keep.” It symbolizes understanding through good judgement, and the portrayal of wisdom and knowledge through such understanding and awareness.

Understanding means wisdom and knowledge, but it also represents the prudence of taking into consideration what another person has said.

AKOMA NTOSO - Understanding

“Akoma ntoso”, literally translating “linked hearts.” Metaphorically, akoma ntoso embodies understanding and agreement, as well as harmony within communities. The physical symbol depicts four hearts linked together, emphasizing mutual sympathy and immortality of the soul. Additionally, “akoma ntoso” promotes unity among families and communities.

FUNTUNFUNEFU DENKYEMFUNEFU - Unity in Diversity

Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu”, is “Siamese crocodiles.” The symbol shows two conjoined crocodiles, which symbolizes democracy and cooperation.

While normally being independent creatures, the crocodiles are forced to work together and unite in order to survive. The symbol also represents unity among different religions and cultural tolerance. This aspect of intercultural acceptance is emphasized by King Adinkra.

DWENNIMMEN

Dwennimmen, literally meaning “ram’s horns,” symbolizes that even the strong have to also be humble. The symbol is a bird’s eye view of two rams butting heads, and the rams’ horns symbolizes strength and humility through the characteristics of a ram. A ram will courageously fight against its foes when prompted, but will submit to slaughter when necessary, indicating that even the strong have to be humble.

DENKYEM

Denkyem, which translates to “crocodile,” represents certain attributes of a crocodile that were valued in the Gyaaman Kingdom. This adinkra symbol represents adaptability, which the crocodile aptly demonstrates in how although it lives in the water, in swampy areas, it is still able to breathe the air, portraying its flexibility to different circumstances. Not only is the crocodile able to thrive in different environments, it is a common creature in African mythology, and is held in high regard as the most intelligent creature.

AKOMA

Akoma symbolizes endurance and understanding, and can be recognized as the modern day standard heart. Its literal meaning is “the heart” and represents love, unity, endurance, patience, tolerance, goodwill, and faithfulness. It also symbolizes tolerance in the face of frustration and stresses the need for patience. It is drawn as a union of two hearts and with it lies the secret of mutual understanding and lasting love.

NYAME BIRIBI WO SORO

Nyame Biribi Wo Soro means “God is in the heavens.” God lives in the heavens and, since He owns goodies, that is where they are to be found. This Adrinkra is a prayer to God to grant a wish. The Akans believe that God is in the heavens to hear prayers, bless his people, and watch over them. They also believe that he is there to ensure that his purposes are fulfilled on earth.

SANKOFA

Sankofa symbol is represented either by a stylized heart shape or a bird with its head turned backwards. Sankofa literally translates to “look to the past to inform the future.” The symbol is depicted by a bird which appears to be moving forward while looking back, supporting the idea of incorporating the aspects of the past into the future.