Symbols
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Adinkra Nkyinkyim

Adinkra Nkyinkyim

CulturalSeed

adinkra

Construction note

A geometric impression of the adinkra symbol Nkyinkyim. “Twisting.”

About this symbol

Meaning
Initiative, dynamism and versatility.
Culture / origin
Akan peoples (Ghana & Côte d'Ivoire)
Era
From at least the 19th century (Gyaman / Asante)
Historical context
Adinkra symbols are stamped on cloth and carved on objects, each encoding a proverb or maxim about life, virtue and the divine.

Adinkra are Akan visual proverbs with deep cultural meaning. Use them with their proverb and credit the Akan tradition, not as generic ornament.

Tags

adinkraakanghanawest-africanproverb

SVG source

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