Yet another painting of Gye Nyame, the Adinkra symbol.
I have never mentioned in my earlier posts about the hostory of
these symbols apart from their origin. Here is the history of these symbols:
The Adinkra symbols were originated in Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire and Akan tribe of Ghana. According to an Asante (a tribe in Ghana) legend, Adinkra was the name of a king of the Gyaman. Adinkra was defeated and captured in a battle by the Asantes for having copied the “Golden Stool” (the symbol of the Asante nation).
He was finally killed and his territory annexed to the kingdom of
Asante. His adinkra robe was taken as a trophy( a patterned
cloth, which was interpreted as a way of expressing his sorrow
on being taken to the capital of Asante).The Asante people
around the 19th century then took to painting of traditional
symbols of the Gyamans onto cloth.
Adinkra means goodbye. Originally, the cloth was worn only by the
royalty and spiritual leaders for mourning during funeral services.
It can now be worn by anyone for any occasion. The symbols and their
meanings are still used to convey a message. Approximately four hundred
such symbols are known in Ghana.
"Gye Nyame"
Acrylic on canvas,15.7"x15.7"
Available To purchase or for more information regarding any of my paintings,contact me : manishavedpathak@gmail.com
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