Adinkra Cloth Sent to Holland circa 1825 by the Asantehene
ADINKRA CLOTH SYMBOLS
Adinkra cloth is made by the Akan of Ghana and Ivory Coast. The cloth is used in various ceremonies such as funeral, swearing the oath of office by the new king, naming ceremony, or as everyday wear.
Adinkra cloth is printed by either block-print or screen-print technique. The blocks (or stamps) are carved from calabash (gourd). Each stamp is linked with either a proverb, story or some everyday expression. In such a way, the adinkra symbols may be said to constitute a writing system.
The adinkra cloth is one important art object that constitutes a code in which the Akan have deposited some aspects of the sum of their knowledge, fundamental beliefs, aspects of their history, attitudes and behaviors towards the sacred, and how their society has been organized.
Adinkra cloth has played a significant part in furthering the organization of social and political life in the Akan society.
Another significant function of the adinkra cloth is evident from an analysis of the color background as well as the constituent symbols that are incorporated in the design of the cloth.
The colors and the constituent symbols of the adinkra cloth evoke complex concepts that relate to social and political organization, beliefs and attitudes, moral and ethical issues about the self and one's responsibilities, and knowledge and education.
The following are examples of adinkra cloth symbols:
Adinkra Print Blocks Carved From Gourd
