ADINKRA SYMBOLS AND DESIGNS

Adinkra is a local Ghanaian symbol that ideally stands for an important object or proverb that explains a particular character or action that one portrays. Adinkra as a primitive symbol indirectly serves as a communicative tool that plays a very vital role in Ghanaian society as far as our cultural values and norms are concern.
Adinkra as commonly known has been in our society for a long time.It originated in the 19th century as a result of a war between King Adinkra of Brong Ahafo under the La Cote d' Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Nana Osei Bonsu king of the Asante region.This is because king Adinkra of Gyaman attempted to copy the design of the Asante golden stool which was the unifying force of the Asante king Nana Osei Bonsu.
In the course of the war, king Adinkra was defeated and assassinated. His cloth was taken by the Asantes as a trophy. The Asantes brought with them the art of stumping cloth and named it after King Adinkra.Even though Adinkras origin is traced from these two kings in their respective location ,it production and usage is now associated and more recognized by the Asantes.
Adinkra still holds its grounds in the Ghanaian society due to its relevance in communication. Vital roles such as; appreciations, showing relevance to the almighty, explaining cultural norms and values of the society are all demonstrated through Adinkra signs and symbols.
For instance a great warrior is appreciated by Adinkra symbol named Adinkra hene to symbolize his victory in the battlefield. In furtherance, Adinkra symbols enhance visual communication. Of late Adinkra symbols are adapted by various companies as their logos and are also used in designing cloth, building, and jewelries among a host of others in our daily work.
Adinkra more so contribute in the society's economic well fair. This is because Adinkra now has been inducted into some of the Ghanaian cloth as a local cloth which has been specifically design based on the Ghanaian cultural specifics; it therefore stands on high tendency purchase which in turns affects the economic platform positively.
Adinkra's existence apart from the above reason can be primed on the fact that it serves the purpose of creating beauty. Adinkra's shapes are precisely design for beautification and decoration purposes. Adinkra design in cloth, books, wooden artifact, logos, memorandum among a value of others is mainly for decoration and beautification reasons. This brings about better understanding whatever message meant to be communicated.
From the reasons highlighted above, personally I believe Adinkra should be accorded more respect and recognition in Ghanaian society.