The Adinkra Dictionary

Adinkra is the name given the colorful, hand-painted and hand- embroided cloth used for mourning by the Akan people of Ghana and Cote D Ivore. Stylistic symbols called adinkra symbols are printed on these cloths. The cloth and symbols express the wearer s feeling and sentiment about the deceased. The symbols convey a parting message to that individual. When a person wears this type of clothing, one knows that the person is in mourning.