The Adinkra symbols are part of a rich African tradition dating back beyond the 17th century, and they are believed to have their origin from Gyaman - a former kingdom in today’s Ivory Coast. The stunning motifs were developed by the Asante people of Ghana, West Africa, who evolved the unique art of Adinkra printing cloths, made and used exclusively by royalty and spiritual leaders for sacred ceremonies.  The meaning of each symbol derives from a proverb, history, events, human attitude, animal behavior, plants and shapes of inanimate and man-made objects.

The Adinkra tradition continues to flourish in modern times and the number of symbols continues to grow.  In contemporary Ghana, the symbols and their meanings are still very much used to convey a message through a wide range of products and crafts, including clothing accessories, interior design, carpentry, architure etc.

urbanflo have adopted the symbols below as they characterise the ethos we aspire to.

HWE MU DUA  "measuring stick"

symbol of examination and quality control

(stresses the need to strive for the best quality, whether in production of goods or in human endeavours)

ANANSE NTONTAN "spider's web"  (Ananse, the spider, is a well-known character in African folktales)

symbol of wisdom, creativity and the complexities of life

NKYINKYIM "twisting"

symbol of initiative, dynamism and versatility

FUNTUNFUNEFU-DENKYEMFUNEFU (Siamese crocodiles) "unity"

symbol of democracy & oneness despite cultural difference

KRONTI

symbol of democracy and reliance

NEA OPE SE OBEDI HENE "he who wants to be king must first learn to serve "

symbol of service and leadership

NSAA

symbol of excellence, genuineness, authenticity

NEA ONNIM NO SUA A, OHU

symbol of knowledge, life-long education

DENKYEM "crocodile"
symbol of adaptability
(The crocodile lives in the water, yet breathes the air, demonstrating an ability to adapt to circumstances)

sources:

Cloth as a Metaphor by G F Kojo Arthur

Adinkra Dictionary by Bruce Willis

www.welltempered.net