Adinkra is a term used to describe symbols which have metaphorical meanings that are used to decorate colorful patterned cloth in West Africa, particulary Ghana. The meaning of the symbols are said to be from an array of different areas of life. These include such topics as proverbs of the people, noted historical events, expressions of particular human attitudes, animal behaviors, plants and abstract shapes of inanimate and man-made objects. The experiences of the people became recorded on clothe. One modern author coined this use of symbolic language “Clothe as a Metaphor.” More on the Adinkra Symbols can be found Here . Unique Speak Boutique has taken the art form to another level. Using graphic design and other forms of craft, lighting and other products are available for showcasing the symbolic metaphors.
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Akoma Ntoso
A Symbol of Understanding and Agreement
The inserts for this lamp are the Unique Speak Boutique rendition of an Adinkra Symbol which depicts the message of Understanding and Agreement - Akoma Ntoso, a symbol of united hearts, understanding, a union in thoughts and deed, an agreement or a charter.It is layered on top of an actual African cloth design, now imaged graphically.
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Asase Ye Duru
A Symbol of the Providence and Divinity of Mother Earth
Asase Ye Duru symbolizes the weight of the Earth, or the Earth is heavy. The proverb associated with this symbol is "Asase ye duru se po". (The Earth is heavier than the sea). In metaphor meaning is reminds us that there is divinity in Mother Earth for it is the Earth that sustains our very life.
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Dame Dame
A Symbol of Intelligence and Ingenuity
The inserts for this lamp are the Unique Speak Boutique rendition of The Adinkra Symbol, Dame-Dame which is a board game, the words themselves meaning 'multiple squares', much like a checker board is set up. A more popular game is oware, but the art of the game brings the metaphor to life as that of craftiness and strategy, even intelligence.
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Dweninimmen
A Symbol for mixing humility with strength.
Dwenini Mmen is a symbol for Ram's horn. I have seen diverse spellings on this symbol, including 'Dwennimmen' and 'Dwanimen'. The saying that accompanies this symbol is "Donnin ye asise a ode n'akorana na ennye ne mben." This is said to mean: "It is the heart and not the horns that leads a ram to bully." Or, "Dwenini ye asisie a ode nakoma na ennye ne mmen -- The ram may bully, not with its horns but with its heart." Still another author surmizes that the ram will fight, but it also submits humbly to slaughter. This emphasis leans toward a strong need to be humble. All in all, it is a metaphoric suggesting one mix humility with strength. Mix the heart with the horns and acquire strength of body, mind and soul.
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Gye Nyame
A Symbol of God's Omnipotence
Gye Nyame is a symbol speaking of God's omnipotence. Its direct translation is "except God" or "God alone". I proverb is "Abode santan yi firi tete; obi nte ase a onim n'ahyase, na obi ntena ase nkosi n'awie, Gye Nyame - This great panorama of creation dates back to time immemorial, no one lives who saw its beginning and no one will live to see its end." It is a symbol of the Omnipotence and immortality of God, the Presence of God.
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Mmere Dane
A Symbol of Change and Life Dynamics
Mmere Dane is a symbol suggesting how change is inevitable. "Time changes." The turning points of change are usually accompanied by distress or season's of dissatisfaction. Sometimes we wish to embrace change but it doesn't happen as easily as we'd like. We are all born into an environment of change and ride on the winds of change, which is the life dynamic. When we can accept this, our soul surfs the waves of life in peace. The symbol reminds us to flow with life's movements.
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Nea Onnim No Sua A, Ohu
A Symbol of the Life Long Quest for Knowledge
The symbol reminds us that: "He who does not know can become knowledgeable from learning; he who thinks he knows and ceases to continue to learn will stagnate." (Nea onnim sua a, ohu; nea odwen se onim dodo no, se ogyae sua a, ketewa no koraa a onim no firi ne nsa). It is an Akan principle that learning takes a lifetime. Life is an education and education is life.
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Nyame Biribi wo soro
A Symbol that God is in the Heavens
Biribi wo soro. "Nyame biribi wo soro na ma embeka mensa (God there is something in the heavens, let it reach me.)." A symbol of hope.
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Nyame Nti
A Symbol of God's Grace
This Adinkra Symbol reminds us that God's Grace is a branch of life. To quote the Adinkra dictionary, "This stalk is depicted as the staff of life in many cultures." It symbolizes food and survival placed on Earth by God.
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Onyankopon
Adom Nti Biribiara Beye Yie
A Symbol of Hope, Providence and Faith
According to the Akan, Onyankopon is the God who created all spirits. The symbol reminds us of the Grace of this 'creator of all things', a symbol of the majesty and supremacy of God.
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Sankofa
A Symbol of Learning from the Past
Sankofa (return and fetch it). "SE wo werE fi na wosankofa a yenkyi." It is no taboo to return and fetch it when you forget. You can always undo your mistakes. Mistakes can be rectified, look to the past for solutions. Sankofa is also depicted as a backwards-looking goose.
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Sesa Woruban
A Symbol of Life Transformation
The symbol encourages a change of character. It is a combination of two symbols in one. The first is the morning star wich suggests new starts, a new day. When placed inside the wheel of movement, it then suggests that the movement or transformation is independent.
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Lamp $26.00
Lamp $26.00
Lamp $26.00
Lamp $26.00
Lamp $26.00
Lamp $26.00
Lamp $26.00
Lamp $26.00
Lamp $26.00
Lamp $26.00
Lamp $26.00
