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What are Adinkra Symbols?

Hey Online Fam!

After a whirlwind hiatus and transition back to the United States after living abroad, I’m so happy to be back with another Daily Fashion Fix post! In today’s brief installment, let’s talk briefly about one of my favorite pieces of cultural art, Adinkra symbols.

Adinkra Symbols meaning.jpg

Originating with the Akan people of West Africa, in the regions now known as Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, like kente cloth, the use of Adinkra was once reserved solely for tribal royalty. Today, these symbols have have proliferated their way throughout modern “Afrocentric” culture and can be found adorning jewelry, engraved in wooden ceremonial objects, and most predominantly stamped batik style onto fabrics and garments.

Via the Smithsonian Museum

Via the Smithsonian Museum

Adinkra symbols, which number in the hundreds, typically utilize older symbols to represent long held proverbs, songs, or sayings … While newer symbols relate more closely to daily living tasks or environment.

This week’s style post features, more than a what may resemble a hair pic / comb, is actually a batik Adinkra print of the “Duafe” symbol, signifying:

  • Ultimate femininity

  • Beauty

  • Proper grooming / hygiene

  • Cleanliness

In addition to a host of other traditionally “desirable feminine qualities.” To know me, is to know I love exuding confidence in spaces often defined as soft and feminine. Quietly wearing this symbol as I navigate the mean streets of Brooklyn, NY is definitely one of those moments. Besides, I absolutely love taking modern spin on traditional classics, particularly from my own Ghanaian culture!

Adinkra Symbols meaning.jpg

Love The Style? Shop the Look!

Below are links to some of your favorite pieces from this week’s look! As always, many the Daily Fashion Fix looks showcase pieces directly from our Q.A.C Webstore and will be highlighted with “add to cart.”

Shop our adinkra accessories and other adornments featured in this week’s post below!

Embroidered Tuareg Tribe Bangles Embroidered Tuareg Tribe Bangles
Embroidered Tuareg Tribe Bangles
$34.00

These beautifully multi-colored Tuareg Tribe bangles are handmade in Mali West Africa. Each bangle is handmade.

Color and design/pattern for each bracelet will be unique.

Sold in sets of 2

Shop Our Adinkra Jewelry
Cowrie Shell Ring
Cowrie Shell Ring
$40.00
Love Sankofa
sold out
Love Sankofa
$30.00
Ankh
sold out
Ankh
$35.00
Golden Ganesha Ring
Golden Ganesha Ring
$35.00
Nyame Ring
Nyame Ring
$35.00
Bali Taracotta Ring
Bali Taracotta Ring
$45.00
Buy Brass Ring Indonesia
Mekanis
$20.00
Buy Lapis Ring
sold out
Lapis Ring
$20.00
upload
Love Quartz
$20.00
Buy Amethyst Ring from Indonesia
sold out
Amethyst Ring
$40.00
Shop our entire collection

Alright loves, that’s all for now. As always, the Journey Continues!

Share the Journey

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tags: adinkra, adinkra meaning, Akan adinkra meaning, what is adinkra, what do adinkra symbols mean?, ghana, african fashion
categories: African Fashion, Fashion Anthropology, Queen Adwoa's Closet
Thursday 02.27.20
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
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