ADINKRA SYMBOLS
The Rich History and Timeless Beauty of Adinkra Symbols in Textiles and African Print
Adinkra symbols, steeped in rich cultural heritage and profound meaning, have been an integral part of West African, particularly Ghanaian, textiles for centuries. These symbols, each with its own unique significance, offer a glimpse into the values, beliefs, and philosophies of the Akan people. The intricate designs and the stories they tell continue to captivate people worldwide, making Adinkra textiles a cherished cultural artifact.
Origins of Adinkra Symbols
The origins of Adinkra symbols are traced back to the Ashanti people of Ghana and the Gyaman people of Côte d’Ivoire. The name “Adinkra” itself is derived from the Akan word “di nkra,” which means “to say goodbye” or “farewell.” Historically, Adinkra cloth was worn during funerals and other solemn occasions to convey messages and honor the deceased.
According to legend, the use of Adinkra symbols began when Nana Kofi Adinkra, a king of the Gyaman people, was defeated by the Ashanti king, Nana Osei Bonsu-Panyin. As a symbol of mourning for his loss, King Adinkra wore a patterned cloth that later came to be known as Adinkra cloth. The Ashanti people adopted these symbols, integrating them into their own cultural practices and textile designs.
The Symbolism and Meaning
Each Adinkra symbol carries a specific meaning, often reflecting proverbs, historical events, human behavior, or abstract ideas. These symbols are visual representations of complex concepts and are used to communicate traditional wisdom and knowledge. The symbols we have chosen to use for our first collection called ESSENCE are the following:
The Craft of Adinkra Cloth Making
The traditional process of making Adinkra cloth is both meticulous and artful. It begins with weaving the cloth, usually made from cotton, and then stamping or printing the Adinkra symbols onto the fabric. The dye used for the symbols is typically made from the bark of the badie tree, which produces a deep, rich color.
Artisans create the stamps for the symbols by carving designs into pieces of calabash or gourds. The stamps are then dipped into the dye and pressed onto the cloth in carefully arranged patterns. This labor-intensive process requires precision and skill, ensuring that each piece of Adinkra cloth is unique and meaningful.
Adinkra used by Kenteva
While Adinkra symbols have deep-rooted traditional significance, they have also found a place in contemporary fashion and design. Here at Kenteva, we have taken our favourite symbols and incorporated them into the modern woman's style of clothing. Think of it as the new age of African print dresses. Remember, our slogan is "tradition, reimagined" and so our aim is to make Adinkra symbols and their meanings accessible and appreciated by all women worldwide.
The resurgence of interest in Adinkra symbols and textiles is a massive testament to their timeless beauty and cultural importance. Efforts to preserve this heritage include workshops, exhibitions, and educational programs that teach new generations about the history and techniques of Adinkra cloth making. Furthermore, what was once used to mourn has now been incorporated into Kente styles for weddings and life celebrations.
Conclusion
We hope that our love for Adinkra symbols and their use in fashion and textiles has been made clear. We have a vision to modernise even further the way African print is worn and encourage all women, from any background to have an African print dress in their wardrobe. Exuding confidence and flare, all colour schemes and arrangements of prints and symbols are created in-house at Kenteva. You can shop our latest dress, SOFIA, inspired by the Adinkra symbol 'Sankofa'. We named her 'Sofia' because of the meaning, wisdom. And we all know that any woman who is capable of learning from the past to improve her future is a wise woman. She is perfect for a girly brunch, date nights, your next holiday outfit, a night out with the girls and most especially your birthday dress. So what are you waiting for sis? Shop here.