AMPAH

The Adinkra symbology provides guidelines to valuable human conduct. It is a system of symbols that represent social codes by the Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast—along the west coast of Africa. Akan culture is based on oral tradition so spiritual, moral, and social conventions have been passed on through the generations by methods that include blending of the arts and philosophy. Quite like Humanism of the Renaissance period, this cultural and intellectual system is centered on human beings and their values, capacities and worth, and is based on the assumption that rational thought will lead to harmony. The Adinkra realm covers major aspects of the human experience: self esteem, family values, social responsibility, civic involvement, and harmony with nature.

These dynamic symbols express human behavior, nature, and the environment in a way that connects the past with the future. Although Adinkra symbols date back to around the early 18th century, present-day iconography continues to enter the realm. The wealth of wisdom provided by the Adinkra symbolism influences conduct that underlines the Ghanaian motto, “One people, one nation, one destiny.” It provides for an optimistic outlook rooted in values passed on through folklore, myth, rituals, and legends that guide the people through everyday life.

Adinkra is not a religious practice although its essence is of humanism and spirituality. Adinkra is about awareness - a metaphor for personal enlightenment. The Adinkra symbology packs a great deal of knowledge that can be inspiring, healing, and empowering, as well as grounding, and should be used to a spiritual advantage. It would be over-romantic, indeed plain wrong, to suggest that the Akan people, in addition to their other virtues, are all model citizens, living in perfect harmony with nature. Their behavior, however, is tempered with Adinkra concepts, enough to smooth out a place for Ghanaians among the friendliest and most peaceful societies in the world.

This compilation of core Adinkra symbols represents an introduction to what would ordinarily require discussion to fully appreciate. Enjoy it, discuss it, share it and, best of all, visit Ghana to experience Adinkra.