The evolution of symbols dates back to the prehistoric periods when people drew images on walls in caves for visual communication. These symbols connote meanings greater than their intrinsic content. Ott(1989,p.21).Thus, symbols are images, objects, shapes, signs etc used in sending messages to people.
In Ghana, most ethnic groups have its own symbols. The Ewes have the Agama symbols: Dumenyo (symbols of Patriotism), Veno (symbol of fairness), Agama (symbols of circumspection), Dzigbodi (symbol of patience) etc. Also the Ga’s have the following symbols: Atswere, Atsiki Oyi, Akpati, Akpakpa, Abui, Adashi, Akromadio etc. Similarly the Akans also have the Adinkra symbols: Aya (symbol of defiance) hroemdoa(symbol of examination) Fihankra, (symbol of security), Nsaa (symbol of quality), Gye-Nyame ( except God), Epa (symbol of slavery), Donno (symbol of celebration) etc. There are more than twenty Adinkra symbols in Ghana but its origin dates back many generations. There are several accounts but one account states that the symbols had their names from Nana Kofi Adinkra. He was once a king of a traditional area called Gyaman in the Ivory Coast in 19th Century. According to this account, Kofi Adinkra provoked the then Asantehene, Nana Osei Bonsu Panyin by making a copy of the golden stool. This resulted in war between the Asante’s and the Gyamans. The Gyamans were later defeated and taken captives. It is believed that the captives included craftsmen who introduced the art of making a kind of cloth with patterns stamped in them. These patterns were later adopted and developed by the Asante’s to be known as the “Adinkra symbols’’. The Akan word Adinkra simply means “saying good-bye to one another when parting’’. However, personally I think the word “Adinkra’’ is a combination of two words: Adin (name) and Kra (to send something to someone). Are, our ancestors wanted to communicate to people by sending a message with the use of the symbols (these symbols have Adin).
Symbols are multifunctional in nature and they are appreciated for both their aesthetic and communication value is very vital because communication is said to be the process of sending a message from a sender to a receiver. Effective communication brings mutual relationship between people, facilitates the survival of human life, mutual understanding etc.
In the past our ancestors expressed their ideas or communicated with Adinkra Symbols in clothes, on walls etc. In modern times institutions, organizations, media houses etc. have adopted the Adinkra symbols in their logo, in order to send effective information to its targeted audience. For instance, the Methodist church- Ghana has adopted the symbols “Nyame Dua’’ in its logo, to express their faith in God. “Nyame Dua’’ is a symbol of worship which means the altar of God’s tree. The Methodist church wants to communicate effectively to its targeted
audiences by making them understand that “…..we consider the bible to be of out importance in worship and true Christian living. Thus the Methodist church has communicated effectively to its targeted audience through the use of “Nyame Dua” SYMBOL.
The Akan believes that the search for knowledge is a life –long process.”Nea Onnim Sva a Ohu (he who does not know can become knowledgeable form learning). This is a symbol adopted by the Ghana institute of journalism. The school wants to communicate to its student that as a communication school. Whose aim is to “promote communication excellence”, they can succeed through acquired experience and through a deliberate effort on one’s part to know or gain knowledge.
Thus the importance of effective communication is depicted between GIJ and its student through the symbol”Nea Onnim Sva Ohu”. Authority as a symbol of Authority can be found in Databanks logo. The proverb attached to this symbol is”Akofena kunimiko a wobo afena kye no Safoahene” (the retiring great warriors always has a royal sword of rest and is always created a warrior chief). This and authority vested in gallantry and loyal people. Databank adopted this in order to communicate they are leaders and gallants in banking. This can be seen in their vision”……………. We shall remain pioneers and leaders in our field…………………………..” thus, Databank communicated to their customers or client through the Adinkra symbol”Akofena”.
In conclusion Adinkra symbol are important symbols in our societies and to communicates effectively to us in our daily activities
REFERENCE
AGBO A.H. Values of Adinkra and Agama Symbols.(2006).
Arthur k.g.f.cloth as metaphor (2001).
www.knol. Google.com
