adinkra symbols fair trade
 
History

Adinkra symbols were first used as decorative elements in one of the most highly valued, hand-printed and hand-embroidered cloths of West Africa. This cloth is unique to Ghana and is believed to have started around 1800. Traditionally, the cloth was used exclusively by royalty and spiritual leaders for very important sacred ceremonies and rituals. The printing process entails stamping one symbol at a time onto large sheets of cotton cloth. The stamps are cut from pieces of calabash and the dye, Adinkera aduru, is prepared by boiling the bark of Badie together with iron slag. In addition to its traditional sacred usage, today Adinkra cloth is also used to make clothing for such special occasions as festivals, church-going, weddings, naming ceremonies and initiation rites. Adinkra was traditionally black designs on black cloth and was worn to funerals. Today Adinkra cloth comes in many bright colors (although the designs are always black) and is also worn on festive occasions.

Adinkra symbols can be found painted on buildings, engraved in stone and bricks and printed on fabrics offering both guidance and instruction for the future. They teach and explain virtues that are applicable to people of all ethnicities from all around the world. They can be translated literally but are more traditionally understood either in the form of proverbs or metaphors which convey the values, virtues and morals important to Ghanaian society.

Symbols
All symbols represent single expressions, but each is part of a greater world-view encouraging all men to see and treat one another as brothers and sisters. They encourage moral and humble behavior while asking all men to see and embrace their inner strength, power and ability. As a whole they express love, wisdom, power, peace, beauty and respect. They are displayed on products of Cynirje Culture by Design in hopes that these values, virtues and wisdom may be spread and expressed in new places. It is also hoped that through buying these products, new ideas, beliefs and traditions will be shared, and the unity explained through the symbols can become a greater reality.
Sankofa: Simply translated "return and get it", this symbol means that one should find guidance in the past. When times are tough and one is in search of wisdom and guidance they can look to the past for wisdom and support. Sankofa signifies the importance of past cultural values and remembering the wisdom of the ancestors. It is believed that progress depends on learning from the past and bringing this knowledge and ancestral wisdom into the future.
Nsoromma: Translated, “child of the heavens” or “the child of God” signifies the belief and confidence in God’s watchfulness over mankind. It reminds people that God is the father of all men and they can always look to God for guidance, peace and love. In knowing this they can find confidence, strength, morality and reliability within themselves.
Bin Nka Bi: Literally translated, "no one should bite the other" praises peace and harmony. It warns against causing physical or emotional pain through deception, back-stabbing, cheating and a variety of other vices against man. Anther symbol suggest you reap what you sow, therefore, Bin Nka Bi, encourages everyone to build themselves through the growth of the whole. It reminds us that all will benefit and rise up through fair play, cooperation and encouragement bringing a peaceful co-existence.
Nkyinkyim: Translated, “Twistings” reminds us of the multiple dimensions and capabilities of man. It reminds us of our dynamism and versatility as humans and our ability to take initiative, bring out diverse characteristics, and play many roles. This symbol also implies that men have the ability to adjust to withstand difficulties and endure hardships while remaining committed and faithful to their duties. It suggests an exemplary characteristic of man that can serve as a model for others.
Gye Nyame: Literally mean “Except for God”; this is the short version of “I fear nobody except God. God is regarded as the creator of the world and humanity and therefore must be reverenced and worshiped. The symbol reflects the supremacy, power, and dominion of God over all situations and creations. He is therefore regarded as the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent.

Adinkrahene: Is the “chief of adinkra symbols”. It signifies greatness, charisma and leadership. This symbol is noted to have played an inspiring role in the designing of other symbols and therefore makes the symbol the greatest among all symbols. The symbol signifies the need to play inspiring and leadership roles.
Dwennimmen: symbol of humility together with strength The ram will fight fiercely against an adversary, but it also submits humbly to slaughter, emphasizing that even the strong need to be humble.
 
Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu: The Siamese crocodiles share one stomach, yet they fight over food. This popular symbol is a remind that infighting and tribalism is harmful to all who engage in it.
 
Odo Nnyew Fie Kwan: symbol of the power of love.