On store fronts, churches, and even plastic chairs — one thing that could not be ignored when traveling to Ghana were traditional Adinkra symbols. To anyone passing by, they might just look like pretty decorations; however, they were deeply rooted in Ghanaian tradition. Adinkra symbols were believed to originate from Gyaman, a kingdom in Côte D’Ivoire. When the Asante Kingdom, in modern day Ghana, defeated Gyaman, they began using these Adinkra symbols in their everyday lives. They were most often used during festive occasions, such as marriage and funerals.

During my time in Ghana, I saw many of these Adinkra symbols and I have compiled a list of the ones that I most resonated with:

Gye Nyame— except God

Omnipotence of a God

 

Sankofa— Go back to your roots

Correcting mistakes and learning from the past