By: Deborah Amewoyi
The Manhyia Palace of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has unveiled six significant Adinkra symbols during the fifth Awukudae festival celebration in the Ashanti Region.
To wit, Adinkra symbols are visual representations of concepts, proverbs, and aphorisms, originating from Ghana. They are used to convey cultural wisdom and express beliefs, often appearing on fabrics, pottery, and other art forms according to adinkrasymbols.org
Only one out the six symbols recently unveiled at the Manhyia palace have been named. The “Otumfuo Nsa” symbol which signifies the firm grasp of cultural heritage, stewardship of cultural heritage, a visionary leadership and guidance is the only symbol that has been named after Asantehene Osei Tutu II.
Further elaborating the symbol, the Otumfuor said “Twenty-six years ago, when I was going to Pampaso I symbolically put my hands together, but many chiefs didn’t understand. I was in Apakankro. My grandchildren understand it but many of the chiefs couldn’t understand it at the time.” he said.
Despite the fact that the five other symbols have not been named, the palace made sure to interpret the symbols significance and representation.
The second symbol – two parallel palms; one pointing upward and the other downward depicts inclusivity and harmony between the Asante culture and other cultures within the country and beyond
The third symbol represented Otumfuor’s intelligence from which other dignitaries tap from.
The fourth signifies the role the king plays in the utilization of the country’s resources.
The fifth – a staff that has the crest of the manhyia palace and the golden stool stands for the king’s impact on Sustainable National Development.
The latter speaks to the kings contributions towards research and education in his governance.
One of the officials who made the presentation on behalf of team noted that the research into the developing six additional symbols took about three and a half years with major focus on the contributions made by the Asantehene.
It has been recorded that there are about 200 existing Adinkra Symbols.
Source: Opemsuo Radio.
