Ancient Symbols Staff

Nyame Nwu Na Mawu – If God dies, so shall I. The symbol depicts the human soul’s immortality. The adage can be translated as “as God never dies, so my soul never dies” — the soul becomes one with God after death.

Akoko Nan – the hen’s leg. The sign is meant to represent maternal care, mercy, and nurturing. The adage “the hen steps on her chicks yet she does not kill them” refers to a parent’s protective nature for their children. A hen leg and a spur combine to make the emblem.

Symbol represents agreement and understanding.

The sign is a combination of creativity and wisdom.

The symbol is associated with wealth. The Bese, also known as the kola nut, was a popular snack among the northern Akan people. It was both a sign of wealth and a key commerce item.

Do not bite each other. The emblem denotes peace and harmony. “If you don’t injure someone, they will have no cause to harm you,” according to a related saying.

Adaptability is symbolized by the symbol. “The crocodile lives in the water, but he breaths air” — an example of adaption to two habitats.

Sankofa can refer to either the Akan term for “go back and take” (Sanko- go back, fa- take) or the Asante Adinkra symbol (Sanko- go back, fa- take). It’s sometimes linked to the saying “Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi,” which means “It’s not improper to go back for what you’ve forgotten.”

The percussion instrument The sign stands for friendship and diplomacy.