Rune-like African Symbols: Adinkra

[Kassandra]

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Adinkra symbols originate with the Ashanti culture of the West African country of Ghana. Like Nordic runes in European culture, Adinkra symbols are used for divination, talismans, and decoration on buildings, fabric, etc.

Below is a chart defining the meaning of a few (not all --there are many more, from what I understand) Adinkra symbols. Next are examples of real-life applications of the symbols, and finally an informational YouTube video. Enjoy!

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Adinkra Used in Divination

Adinkra rune divination set.jpg (32.41 KiB) Viewed 171943 times

Photo source: sheloya.ecrater.com/

Sesa Waruban Adinkra.jpg (41.17 KiB) Viewed 171934 times

Oracle cards.
Photo source: avmobley.tumblr.com/post/29941616318/c-aaron-mobley-heart-of-afrika-designs






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Adinkra in Daily Life




Exterior design/Architecture


The Adinkra-decorated left wing of Golden Tulip Hotel in the city of Kumasi in the country of Ghana, Africa.

Adinkra cement decoration.jpg (12.18 KiB) Viewed 171665 times

Photo source: adinkra.org/htmls/adinkra/gyen3.htm






Interior Design/Furnishings, etc.

Adinkra stool.jpg (12.02 KiB) Viewed 171962 times

Stool with symbol as base.
Photo source: 1aakan.weebly.com/modern-day-akan.html







On Modern Clothing

Adinkra t-shirt III.jpg (24.89 KiB) Viewed 171935 times

Photo source: pinterest.com/source/renewproject.org/

Adinkra t-shirt.jpg (10.93 KiB) Viewed 171944 times

Photo source: cafepress.com/+africa-peace+gifts

Adinkra baseball cap.jpg (16.39 KiB) Viewed 171916 times

zazzle.com/amiot_gallery_adinka_vieillot_look_hat_embroidered_hat-233492995160852801








On Traditional Clothing

Man wearing Adinkra fabric.jpg (76.97 KiB) Viewed 171947 times

Photo source: afroetic.com/adinkra-symbols/

Creating Adinkra fabric.jpg (28.89 KiB) Viewed 171947 times

Photo source: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Adinkra_printing.jpg








As Jewelry

african-adinkra-charm-necklace-virginia-vivier.jpg (100.65 KiB) Viewed 171958 times

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Adinkra choker.jpg (15.7 KiB) Viewed 171944 times

Photo source: culturedexpressions.com/projectstips/make-projects/








As Body Art

adinkracover.jpg (63.69 KiB) Viewed 171911 times

Henna on hands.

adinkra body art III.jpg (30.71 KiB) Viewed 171958 times

Photo source: lordyatta.tumblr.com/post/6658139249/adinkra-totem-by-lord-yatta

adinkra body art II.jpg (8.62 KiB) Viewed 171958 times

Photo source: rattatattoo.com/top-10-tribal-tattoos/adinkra-symbol-tribal-tattoo-supremacy-of-god-body-art-for-men-religious-design/

adinkra body art.jpg (51.48 KiB) Viewed 171958 times

Adinkra symbols (along spine), combined
with Polynesian design (on shoulders).
Photo source: polynesiantribaltattoo.com/tattoo-type/blackink/









https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqNac3Te0FI











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[-Dark-Moon-]

Wow, these are cool !

[Kassandra]

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Yeah, I incorporated them in some artwork, and exhibited the artwork over 10 years ago. Then, I'd forgotten all about them, until recently, when I was doing some research on something else. I was like, "oh, yeah, these." So, I thought I'd share them here.





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[-Dark-Moon-]

They are powerful symbols... 'He who wants to be king' is quite interesting to me.

[Echo_of_shadows]

I've seen some of these before, especially Gye Nyame. During my junior year of high school, I took a course in African art and I remember using some of these in one of our projects. I had no idea that they were used like runes.

[Kassandra]

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Yep. Similar to Nordic rune use, one could use them for divination purposes, or decorate with them to add an auspicious energy to things. That's cool you learned about them in high school.




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