Adinkra Symbols as Expressions of Faith in the Ghanaian Christian Context

Abstract

Traditional symbols are forms in indigenous art that are usually translations of thought and ideas, expressing the values and beliefs of the people. Adinkra symbols are ideographical depictions of maxims, philosophies, beliefs, and values of the Akan of Ghana. Of the works cited by the researcher, there is no available literature on the theological reflections of the Adinkra symbol for Akan Christians. Since the focus of most of the works on the Adinkra symbol have been on how to do effective communication in a non-verbal manner, and the analysis of the philosophy behind the Adinkra, the few accessed literature does not directly show how the Bible interacts with the Adinkra symbols by way of exegesis; and how some of these symbols could be employed for ecclesiastical purposes of exhortations that allows the Akan believer to easily relate with the homily interwoven in familiar symbols. This study researched into selected Adinkra symbols (Gye Nyame, Nyame Nti, Onyankopon Adom Nti Biribiara Beye Yie, Nyame Nwu Na Mawu, Nyame Dua) so as to do a theological reflection to provide a sound Akan hermeneutical basis for homilies. It also examined its implications to the everyday life of the Akan Christian and Clergy. Both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were employed. First, theological reflections were conducted on selected Adinkra symbols, and data were collected from 110 Christians and 20 clergy representing various denominations. The reflections revealed that the symbols were religious and that the people acknowledged God before the arrival of Christianity. Although the majority of respondents were able to explain the meanings of Gye Nyame, Nyame Dua, and Nyame Nwu Na Mawu, they generally lacked knowledge about Nyame nti and Onyankopon Adom Nti Biribiara Beye Yie. The survey revealed that some clergy incorporated Adinkra symbols into their sermons, particularly the Gye Nyame symbol, and 75% of the clergy indicated that these symbols were suitable for Christian use. The data revealed that both clergy and the congregants favored the use of the Adinkra symbols since the symbols help them in understanding the nature of Nyame (God). The outcome in terms of knowledge and resourcefulness can encourage the church to incorporate it into its liturgical art, leading to enhanced worship through the use of symbols. Theologically reflecting on the symbols will lead to an increased understanding of them in the light of God’s word and facilitate their ecclesiastical adoption. Additionally, the ideological and moral lessons integral to the Adinkra symbols will encourage their meaningful use among Christians.