Culture
Adinkra symbols and their meanings
The proverbs our ancestors wrote in pictures. Here are 18 of the best-loved Adinkra symbols — and the wisdom behind each one.
Last updated: 24 September 2026
Adinkra symbols are visual symbols created by the Akan people of Ghana and the Gyaman of today's Côte d'Ivoire. Each one expresses a proverb, a value or a historical idea. They were traditionally stamped onto cloth with carved calabash stamps and a dye made from tree bark. Today you'll find them on architecture, jewellery, logos, tattoos and — of course — on GhanaChild.
The village of Ntonso, near Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, is famous for hand-printed Adinkra cloth. Visitors can watch the stamping process and even print their own.
18 Adinkra symbols and their meanings
Gye Nyame
“Except God”The supremacy and omnipotence of God. Probably the most popular Adinkra symbol in Ghana — you'll see it on buildings, fabrics and tro-tros.
Sankofa
“Go back and get it”Learning from the past to build the future. It's often drawn as a bird looking backwards with an egg in its beak.
Dwennimmen
“Ram's horns”Humility together with strength. The ram fights fiercely but submits to be slaughtered — strength does not need arrogance.
Fawohodie
“Independence”Freedom and emancipation — and the responsibilities that come with them.
Nkonsonkonson
“Chain links”Unity and human relations. We are linked in life and in death; strength comes from standing together.
Mmara Krado
“Seal of law”The authority of the law, justice and fairness. Traditionally tied to the court of the chief.
Nyame Dua
“Tree of God”God's presence and protection. It stands for an altar or place of prayer.
Akoma
“The heart”Patience and tolerance. It is said that someone with a “heart in their stomach” is very tolerant.
Akoma Ntoso
“Linked hearts”Understanding, agreement and unity of purpose.
Adinkrahene
“Chief of Adinkra symbols”Greatness, charisma and leadership. It is said to have inspired the design of many other symbols.
Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu
“Siamese crocodiles”Democracy and unity in diversity. The two crocodiles share one stomach yet still fight over food.
Nkyinkyim
“Twisting”Initiative, dynamism and versatility — life's journey is rarely a straight road.
Ese Ne Tekrema
“The teeth and the tongue”Friendship and interdependence. Teeth and tongue sometimes clash, yet they work together.
Mate Masie
“What I hear, I keep”Wisdom, knowledge and prudence. It is about taking to heart what you are taught.
Aya
“The fern”Endurance and resourcefulness. The fern grows in difficult places.
Osram ne Nsoromma
“The moon and the star”Love, faithfulness and harmony, especially in marriage.
Duafe
“Wooden comb”Beauty, cleanliness and the qualities of love and care.
Bese Saka
“Sack of cola nuts”Affluence, abundance and unity — cola nuts were once an important trade good.
Using Adinkra symbols respectfully
- Learn the meaning first. Some symbols carry spiritual meaning. Make sure the message fits your use, especially for tattoos, logos or wedding designs.
- Buy from Ghanaian artisans. Hand-stamped cloth from Ntonso and other craft villages supports the families who keep the tradition alive.
- Credit the source. If you use Adinkra in design work, mention that the symbols come from Akan culture.
Frequently asked questions
What does Gye Nyame mean?
Gye Nyame means “except God”. It expresses the supremacy of God and is one of the most widely used Adinkra symbols in Ghana.
What does Sankofa mean?
Sankofa means “go back and get it”. It teaches that it is not wrong to go back for what you have forgotten — learning from the past builds a better future.
Where do Adinkra symbols come from?
Adinkra symbols come from the Akan people of Ghana and the Gyaman people of what is now Côte d'Ivoire. They were traditionally printed on cloth worn at funerals and important ceremonies.
Which Adinkra symbol means unity?
Nkonsonkonson (chain links) and Akoma Ntoso (linked hearts) both represent unity. Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu represents unity in diversity.
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