Originating in Ghana, Adinkra symbols
are now related, in general, to the Ashanti people. There are hundreds
of these signs, which were originally printed on the cloth that was used
in sacred ceremonies and rituals, funerals in particular. “Adinkra”
means “goodbye.”
The patterns are created using a block printing
method. The symbols are cut into a calabash gourd, and then stamped onto
the cloth in ink or paint.
The language of Adinkra is rich and
varied, embracing philosophical concepts and sociological ideas as well
as straightforward words. The symbols take their
influence from plants, animals, the landscape, and the natural world, as
well as manmade objects. There is a vast Adinkra vocabulary, with
complex meanings attached to what might appear, at first glance, to be
simple little doodles.
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