Long ago, the Akan people of Ghana created symbols that can still be seen throughout the country. Each of these "Adinkra" symbol has a distinct meaning. You will see them printed on fabrics, carved into stools and other furniture, painted on gates...just about everywhere. We decided to interpret some of our favorites in wire and incorporate them into our jewelry.
Safety, Security & Love: This traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbol, EBAN, means “Fence.” The home is of great importance to the Akan people, and a home that has a fence around it is even safer, an ideal residence. The fence separates and secures the family from the outside, and is therefore symbolically associated with the security and safety one finds in love.
Adaptability, Grace Under Hardship & Devotion to Service: These earrings are based on the traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbol NKYINKYIM, meaning twistings. This is the symbol of toughness, adaptability, devotion to service and grace under hardship. It also symbolizes initiative, dynamism, and versatility. It stresses the need to adapt to life, moving oneself around difficulties in order successfully fulfil one's duty. Proverb: “The course of life is full of twistings, ups and downs, and zigzags.”
The Divinity of Mother Earth: These earrings are based on the traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbol ASASE YE DURU, which means, “The earth is heavy.” This is the symbol of providence and the divinity of Mother Earth. It represents the importance of the Earth in sustaining life. Proverb: “The earth is heavier than the sea.”
God is Supreme: These earrings are based on the traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbol GYE NYAME, meaning, “Except for God.” It is the symbol of God’s all powerful and everlasting nature. Unique and beautiful, this is by far the most popular symbol in Ghana. Proverb: “This great panorama of creation dates back to time immemorial. No one lives who saw its beginning, and no one will live to see its end...except for God.”
Strength & Humility; These earrings are based on the traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbol GYE DWENINI MMEN, meaning “Ram's Horns.” It is the symbol of strength (of mind, body and soul) and of humility. Proverb: “The ram may bully, not with its horns, but with its heart.”
Transformation: These earrings are based on the traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbol SESA WO SUBAN, which means “change” or “transformation.” It combines two separate Adinkra symbols, the morning star' which can mean a new start to the day, placed inside the wheel, representing rotation or independent movement. Proverb: “I transform my life.”
Learning from the Past to Build for the Future: These earrings are based on the traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbol SANKOFA,? which means, “Go back and fetch it.” It is the symbol that honors the process of aging; of gaining the wisdom to learn from the past in building for the future. Proverb: “It is not taboo to go back and retrieve if you forget.”
God’s Protection: These copper earrings are based on the traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbol NYAME DUA, which means “God's Tree” or “Altar.” It is the symbol of God's presence & protection. The Nyame Dua is a sacred spot where rituals are performed. Erected in front of the house or compound, it is crafted from a tree that has been cut where three or more branches come together. This stake holds an earthenware vessel filled with water and herbs or other symbolic materials for purification and blessing rituals.
Bravery or Valor: These earrings are based on the traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbol KWATAKYE ATIKO, which means “Hairstyle of Kwatakye.” It is said to represent the special hairstyle worn by this famous war hero and Asante captain. It is a symbol of bravery, fearlessness and valor. Kwatakye Atiko is also given as an earned title to any brave child of an Akan, and can more generally represent courage in facing life’s battles.
Friendship and interdependence: These earrings are based on the traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbol ESE NE TEKREMA, which means "the teeth and the tongue." The teeth and the tongue play interdependent roles in the mouth. They may come into conflict, but they need to work together.
