What are Adinkra Symbols? A Guide to Ghanaian Symbolism
If you've ever seen an Adinkra symbol and wondered what it means, there's usually more to the design than meets the eye. Behind every symbol is an idea, value or message.
Adinkra symbols are traditional symbols associated with the Akan peoples of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Each symbol can represent an idea, value, proverb or message, making Adinkra a unique way of expressing meaning through visual design.
Today, you'll see Adinkra symbols used across fashion, jewellery, art, architecture and contemporary design. But their story goes much further back.
Where do Adinkra symbols come from?
The history of Adinkra is connected to the Gyaman people of present-day Côte d'Ivoire and the Asante Kingdom in Ghana. According to Ghana's National Commission on Culture, the tradition was later incorporated into the Asante Kingdom, where Adinkra cloth became particularly associated with important occasions and mourning.
Traditionally symbols were stamped onto cloth using carved stamps and natural dyes. Different symbols could be combined to create a visual message, with the meaning understood through the wide cultural context behind them.
Over time, Adinkra moved beyond its earlier ceremonial uses and became part of Ghanaian visual culture more broadly.
What Do Adinkra Symbols Mean?
There are many Adinkra symbols, each with its own commonly associated meaning. Some represent qualities such as strength, wisdom or unity, while other express ideas about life, learning, spiritually or relationships.
The exact interpretation can vary between sources and contexts, so there isn't always one single English translation for a symbol.
Some Well-Know Adinkra Symbols
Gye Nyame
Often translated as "except for God", Gye Nyame expresses the supremacy and power of God. It is one of the most recognisable Adinkra symbols.
Sankofa
Sankofa is associated with the idea of looking to the past in order to move forward. Its message is often expressed through the Akan proverb commonly translated as "return and get it". A reminder that there is value in learning from what came before.
Dwennimmen
Inspired by ram's horns, Dwennimmen represents the balance between strength and humility. Its meaning reflects the idea that strength does not have to come without gentleness.
Ananse Ntontan
Often translated as "spider's web", Ananse Ntontan is associated with wisdom, creativity and the complexities of life. The symbol draws on Ananse, the spider, a well-known figure in Akan storytelling.
Bese Saka
Bese Saka, often translated as "sack of cola nuts", is associated with abundance, prosperity, togetherness and unity. Cola nuts have historically played an important role in trade and social life in Ghana.
Adinkra symbols today
Adinkra symbols are still very much part of contemporary Ghanaian culture, You can find them in fashion, jewellery, artwork, architecture and modern design.
And that's part of what makes them so interesting: they can carry cultural meaning while still feeling completely at home in contemporary style.
A symbol can be chosen because you connect with its meaning, because it reminds you of something important, or simply because you love the way it looks.
Adinkra, reimagined as tooth gems
At Efya Gems, the Adinkra Collection brings traditional Ghanaian symbols into an unexpected form of adornment: tooth gems.
Each piece is made in 18K gold and inspired by an Adinkra symbol, with its own meaning and story. The result is a small piece of jewellery that combines cultural meaning with contemporary self-expression.
Because sometimes the smallest details can carry the biggest meaning.
Whether you choose a symbol because its meaning resonates with you, because it represents something you want to carry with you, or simply because you love the design, your gem can be as personal as you want it to be.
Discover the Adinkra Collection
Explore the Adinkra Collection to discover the meaning behind each symbol and find one that speaks to you.