Adinkra
/əˈdɪŋ.krə/noun
A system of Akan visual symbols, especially from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, used to express proverbs, concepts, and moral principles.
Did you know?According to Akan historical tradition, the name refers to Adinkra, a nineteenth-century king of Gyaman who was defeated by the Asante; the symbols were later associated with mourning and ceremonial cloth.
Etymological Timeline
Before the 19th Century
Akan
adinkra
“A term associated with a system of symbolic visual designs; the precise original meaning is debated.”
Early 19th Century
Akan
Adinkra
“Traditionally connected with Nana Adinkra, ruler of Gyaman in present-day Côte d’Ivoire.”
Early 19th Century
Asante Twi
adinkra
“Symbols and patterned cloth associated with Asante ceremonial and funerary use after the defeat of Gyaman.”
19th Century
English
Adinkra
“A name used in English-language descriptions of Akan symbols and stamped cloth.”
Modern English
English
adinkra
“A broad term for the symbols, their meanings, and the cloth or visual design tradition.”