Peace on earth is a universal longing, so it’s not surprising that there are different symbols of peace all around the globe. African symbols of peace carry deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to many. These symbols can reflect unity and harmony in the lives of yourself, your family, your community, and throughout the world.
Below, we list African symbols of peace that can reflect unity and harmony in the lives of yourself, your family, your community, and throughout the world.
Adinkra Symbols: Visual Representations of Profound Concepts
Adinkra are visual symbols that represent concepts, proverbs, and aphorisms. They originated from the Akans of Ghana in the 1700s or before. Back then, they featured as prints on cloth which royals wore to important ceremonies. But they have transcended these Akan origins. They now grace logos, clothing, furniture, architecture, and more. Saturated with meaning, Adinkra have come to represent the richness of Akan culture in particular and African culture in general. They serve as a concise way to convey deep truths in visual form. In fact, many of the symbols have their own associated Akan proverbs. Due to their appealing attributes, Adinkra symbols are often used in logos and emblems to promote ideas and causes.
The selected Adinkra symbols are a collaboration between Wendy Featherston and Trena Brannon aka TreWen. Trena appreciate these beautiful Adinkra symbols and for the words that describe them. The West African Symbols 2 ATC Mix-up Stencil includes symbols and words that represent: adaptability, freedom, emancipation, humility, strength, mother earth, nurturing, peace, harmony, power of love, Supremacy of God, and unity. Use these stencils on greeting cards, ATCs, and tags. Share your knowledge of this product.
Here are a few notable Adinkra symbols:
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- Gye Nyame: Except God. A symbol expressing the omnipotence and supremacy of God.
- Sankofa: Go back and get it! A symbol for the wisdom of learning from the past to build for the future.
While Gye Nyame may be the most popular Adinkra symbol in Ghana, Sankofa is the most popular one beyond the shores of Ghana, serving as a symbol of deep spiritual significance for many African Americans and other Africans in the diaspora who want to connect with their roots. Sankofa has two main representations: a bird and a stylized heart. The current one is the famous Sankofa bird, a mythical bird with its head turned backwards, holding an egg in its beak, while it appears to move forward. This depicts the importance of drawing lessons from the past to guide the present and the future.
This stylized heart with spirals is an alternative representation of the Sankofa symbol.
- Nyame Dua: God's tree (sacred stump).
- Dwennimmen: Ram's horns. A symbol of strength (in mind, body, and soul), humility, wisdom, and learning.
- Mpatapo: This is an adinkra symbol, used in Ghana and some other West African countries. The mpatapo is a knot with no starting place or ending place, and it represents reconciliation.
- Abode Santan: Totality of the universe or the vast expanse of creation.
- Osram ne Nsoromma: Moon and star.
- Efie Aboa: Good family. A symbol of family unity, kinship ties, and family support.
- Agyindawuru: Agyin's gong. A symbol of faithfulness, alertness, and dutifulness.
- Akoben: War horn.
- Kuntinkantan: No matter how red-eyed one becomes (i.e. how serious one becomes), his eyes do not spark flames.
- Aponkyerene: When a frog dies. A symbol of significance, value, and importance.
- Anwonnua: Good living. A symbol of conspicuous spending, indulgence, wealth, and upper social class.
- Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu: Conjoined crocodiles.
- Hwehwemudua: Measuring rod (rod of investigation) or rule.
- Mate Masie: I have heard and kept it. A symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and prudence.
- Menso Wo Kora: I am not carrying your basket.
- Nkyimkyim: Twisting. A symbol representing the tortuous nature of life's journey and, also, the toughness, versatility, and dynamism required to thrive in it.
- Nsoromma: Star (literally, "child of the heavens").
- Obi-te-obi-so: Let no one bite the other.
- Ohene Niwa: The king's eyes. A symbol of vigilance, far-sightedness, intelligence, protection, security, defence, authority, and power.
- Boa Me Na Me Mmoa Wo: Help me and let me help you. A symbol of cooperation and interdependence.
Adinkra Symbols (Meaning and Cultural Significance) Lesson 2
It is a representation of the tension talking drum, a traditional instrument utilized in the music of the Akan people. Symbol of humility together with strength. Symbol of love, safety and security. The home of the Akan is a special place. A home which has a fence around it is considered to be an ideal residence.The fence symbolically separates and secures the family from the outside. Symbol of excellence, genuineness, authenticity. According to "The Adinkra Dictionary" by W. Symbol of guardianship. Symbol of wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence and patience. An especially revered symbol of the Akan, this symbol conveys the idea that, "a wise person has the capacity to choose the best means to attain a goal. Symbol of hope, providence, faith. The West African symbols in this collection are called Adinkra. or an aphorism - a pearl of wisdom.
Here's a table summarizing some of the Adinkra symbols discussed:
| Symbol | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Sankofa | Learning from the past to build for the future | |
| Gye Nyame | Omnipotence and supremacy of God | |
| Mpatapo | Reconciliation | |
| Dwennimmen | Strength, humility, wisdom, and learning |
Beyond Symbols: Expressing Peace Through Culture
African symbols of peace are not just limited to visual representations. They are also expressed through various cultural avenues:
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- Cultural festivals: Different parts of the world regularly hold African festivals and events, including the Caribbean and the United States.
- Music: Album artwork, music video visuals, and even song lyrics sometimes reference or include African symbols of peace.
- Activism and advocacy: Activists working on issues associated with peace or social justice may use these symbols in their campaigns, logos, or promotional material.
- Art installations: Artists around the world use African symbols for inspiration in paintings, sculptures, and other art installations.
I know we’re all praying for peace for around the world, and I’m wishing you peace of mind in your own life, especially at this season.
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