Exploring the deep symbolic meaning behind the Adinkra; Sankofa Symbol.

West African Adinkra Symbols 

According google, African heritage is rich and deep in culture. One of the most popular parts of the African culture is the https://www.adinkrasymbols.org/. Symbols are a visual representation of an idea, spiritual meaning, or emotions. Although there are many stories on the origin of Adinkra symbols, their significance and meaning in the culture are not debated. The Adinkra symbols are not just decorative objects on fabric, buildings, or decor, but they convey ancient traditional wisdom about life, philosophical thoughts, and aspects of the environment.
Adrinkra Symbols on Fabrics 

Adinkras are visual symbols or ideographs that represent concepts and aphorisms originating from the Akan people, the dominant ethnic group of present-day Ghana, and the Ivory Coast located in West Africa.


Some of the symbols have meanings linked to proverbs such as the https://www.adinkrasymbols.org/. SANKOFA, in the Twi language, means to “Reach back and get it” in English. To break it down: 

San :- to return

Ko :- to go

Fa :- to look/seek/take


Sankofa Symbol

The Sankofa symbol  is often associated with the proverb, “Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi,” which translates “It is not taboo to return to take back what you forgot”   The Sankofa symbol represents the wisdom of learning from the past, to help improve the future. It also encourages people to celebrate and honor their culture and history. 

The Sankofa symbol is also depicted by the shape of a heart.

Adinkra symbols tell a story about the culture and its people. Wearing Adinkra symbols is an expression of who you are, your intentions and the messages you want to convey. Although Adinkra symbols are centuries old, they still have meaning and significance today to Africans and the African diaspora.

https://youtu.be/x8v2HsuT1-o?si=x9g8_XWfMtBdt5At
















Comments

Desmond said…
Good job champ🤝🏾. Very insightful piece.👏🏾👍🏾
February 16, 2024 at 1:03 PM
Sandra Mills said…
I really love this articles, looking at how it is structured.👏🏾🤝🏾
February 16, 2024 at 1:14 PM
Regina Dadson said…
Great ���� I like it
February 16, 2024 at 2:02 PM
Regina Dadson said…
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February 16, 2024 at 2:03 PM
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