The term Adinkra is used to denote popular aphorisms and proverbs, document historical events, express particular behaviors associated with depicted figures or concepts uniquely linked to abstract shapes (Anthony, 1993). The origin of this symbol is linked to the Akan people of Ghana during the sixteenth century. The Nsoko (the present-day Begho) was famously known as the weaving center for the adinkra symbols. The original source of the Adinkra symbols is associated with the Gyaaman clans of the Brong region and was an exclusive right of royalty and spirituality. The Adinkra symbols were only used during funeral ceremonies and other very important events (Adome, Asante, & Kquofi, 2016).
Anthony (1993) in his work claim the transfer of the Adinkra symbols from the Brong people to the Ashantis was significant during a military encounter at the beginning of the 19th century. This military contention emanated from the Gyaaman trying to copy the neighboring Asante’s Golden stool (The spiritual emblem of the Ashanti Kingdom). This confrontation led to the killing of the Gyaaman king. The then Asante king Nana Osei Bonsu-Panyinn seized Gyaaman king’s robe as a war bounty. The confiscated robe presented the knowledge of the adinkra printing and the process of stamping the designs on a cotton cloth to the Asantes. The Asantes expanded the adoption and usage of the adinkra symbols incorporating their philosophies, folk tales, and culture. The utilization of the adinkra symbols was evident in pottery, metalworks, and fused into modern commercial designs, fashion, architecture, and sculpture. Adinkra symbols, as well as other Africa symbols, have and continue to contribute to the fashion industry.
References
Anthony, K. A. (1993). In my father’s house: Africa in the philosophy of culture (1st paperback edition 1993. ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-506852-8.
Adome, D., Asante, A. E., & Kquofi, S. (2016). Adinkra: An epitome of Asante Philosophy and History. IISTE. Retrieved from http://www.iiste.org/