The meaning of the word Adinkra means farewell. I remembered the importance of these unique cultural symbols of my roots, a non-verbal form of communication. In many African cultures, historical facts were handed from generation to generation orally for centuries.
Adinkra symbols representations of hand-drawn African wisdom gained through the centuries in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire and inspire subtly in modern daily life via symbolic motifs. The symbols are amongst a few documented languages in Africa, as in the Egyptian hieroglyphics.
The “Adinkrahene” means the chief of all symbols; the form is like a bull’s eye illustration that has to hit the target in all aspects of our lives. It is essential to be our brother’s keeper if we can apply the elements of the universal symbols illustrated. When life throws us a curveball, we must adapt or adjust to living cohesively with our neighbors. (Non verbal communication)
“Nkyinkyim” symbol means the twists of initiative, dynamism, and versatility. Aesthetically, the shape of the symbol is like four-stacked squares, which lie perpendicular to each other, and it points to opposite directions, which underscores the meaning of the symbol.
I have gone through twists and turns to get to where I am. As it is with most people, each adversity presents negative and positives alike, but what gets me through is the foundations of words of wisdom. We adapt when the going gets tough. Through and keep to the life’s lessons that come with it.
We encounter all kinds of trials on life’s journey; some ultimately result in failures. While our pride sometimes pushes us to keep our struggles a secret, we must at some point share our experiences with close confidants we choose to gain advice and encouragement.
If you are honored and considered a close confidant, invoke Mate Ma Sie (what I have heard, I keep). Not only does it imply the wisdom of finding one who understands that “mum’s the word,” but also that wise counsel understood and kept is of great benefit.
Most people exhibit an insatiable thirst for learning and knowing life’s potential variations. Willamette Valley, ironically, is a place where people come with aspirations to fulfill their dreams. The valley is known as home for educational institutions, where it ushers an exodus of passionate students to success as knowledge is considered power in NYANSAPO that we revere.
“Wisdom knot” symbolizes wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence, and patience to reach that goal. The form is an arch of two ropes running through each eye of the knot to form a strong tie.
The DENKYEM (crocodile) Adinkra symbol instills adaptability to a physical place. The crocodile lives in the water yet breathe the air, demonstrating an ability to exist in two unique environments. Adapting to the unique demands of varied backgrounds is paramount to success;
As a young man adapting to a new country, a new university, and a new place of work, I associated strongly with Denkyem, the crocodile.
Nothing good comes easy, as the saying goes. We face adversities at some point, and if we are fortunate to come to that realization, it is prudent to go back to life basics or hit a reset. “Sankofa” return to your roots! Go to your past, pick up on the good things that make you strong and matter to your development. There are no guarantees in life, and the first trial hardly achieves success, involving multiple attempts. We can go back to lessons that our predecessors left for us as guidance at that stage.
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