From masks to the symbolic script of the Ashanti, symbols play an important role in all aspects of African life. These sacred items come in a breathtaking array of styles, and here, divided into six areas of cultural similarity, are some of the most beautiful, along with explanations of their meanings. Demons, for most Africans, are responsible for justice and retribution: the superb demon mask shown depicts Kponingo, who belongs to the mythical world of the Senufo in the Ivory Coast. A calabash with the beak of a hornbill, adorned with cowrie shells and made by medicine men, is a typical instrument of witchcraft. Other fascinating symbols include sculptures, cave paintings, status symbols, and art for everyday use.

Learn the deeper meanings of Adinkra symbols and learn to read and write with Adinkra Alphabet

This book contains FIFTY (50) decorated ADINKRA (AFRICAN) SYMBOLS with their names and their meanings for your education and coloring relaxation. As you trace and color these symbols, you also gain skills and confidence in drawing and idea development processes. Symbols were the means of communication in the early stages of man's existence. Some of these symbols are still relevant and useful in our lives today. Some of such symbols have been captured in this book for your fun and education.

Adinkra symbols visually integrate striking aesthetic power, evocative language, mathematical structures and philosophical concepts. The book views the Adinkra cloth symbols as a writing system. It develops themes from the texts encoded in the proverbs, stories, and maxims associated with the symbols. The themes covered include Akan cosmology, social and political organization, social and ethical values, economics, and Akan knowledge systems. Perhaps the most modern and certainly one of the most comprehensive works on Adinkra (Oluwatoyin Adepoju).

Collection of 10 articles previously published on various aspects of ritual symbolism among the Ndembu of Zambia; p.83-4; brief mention of C.P. Mountford on Aboriginal colour symbolism; Primarly for use in cultural comparison.