Symbols form a crucial part of communication. To pass information from one group of people to the other, certain symbols were created by the early men.
Historians have found numerous symbols including drawings on cave walls, trees, and other places signifying that symbols are very important in exchanging information.
In Africa, where different tribes exist, various symbols also exist. These symbols are considered sacred and were primarily used in ceremonial and religious contexts.
They are also used to tell stories, share information, and also act as reminders. Symbols help tell the origin and story of a tribe.
Here are some symbols used in Africa and their meaning.
Ankh
An important symbol in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics is the ankh. The ankh combines the symbols of Osiris (the T cross) and Isis (the oval) to symbolize immortality.
The story says Osiris and Isis, a brother and sister respectively were the two earliest god and goddess in ancient Egyptian tradition.
Isis was said to be the first ancient Egyptian goddess to appear in surviving East African cultural history. She represents the divine mother and protector.
Winged-sun disk
This Nile Valley symbol is the sun disk and the pyramid. The winged-sun disk symbol represents the sun god Ra. Ra is said to rule the sun and the skies, as the creator of the world.
The pharaohs (kings) honored Ra as sons (suns) in their iconography. Ra is said to have resided in Heliopolis, an ancient Egyptian city.
The ancient Egyptians used the pyramids for initiations into the mystery schools and home for those who transcend to the world beyond.
It symbolizes the highest level of spiritual attainment, an ascent of the hierarchy of enlightenment.
Denkyem (the crocodile)
This symbol represents adaptability. Just like the crocodile who lives in the water, and yet breathes air, this ancient symbol is an example of adaptation of to two different environments.
Adinkra stamps
Used frequently by pre-colonial Ghanaian people, the Adinkra stamps which were made from gourds were used to convey important concepts and are embedded in jewelry designs.
It represents resourcefulness so, anyone who wears the symbol suggests that he has mastered businesses and has employees.
Akoko Nan ( the hen’s legs)
The symbol represents parental protection and nurturing. The related proverb says “the hen treads on her chicks but she does not kill them” showing the protective nature of parents for their offspring. The symbol is formed to look like a hen’s leg.
Osrane Ne Nsoroma
The Osrane Ne Nsoroma symbolizes the moon and the star. It simply tells the story of the North Star (that is a female) waiting patiently for the return of the Moon, her male partner. Osrane Ne Nsoroma is a symbol of love, faithfulness, commitment, and patience. It signifies the harmonious bonding between man and woman.
Duafe
This symbol is a stylized wooden comb that was used by the Akan woman to straighten or plait her hair. Its design symbolizes the desirable feminine traits such as beauty and good hygiene as well as the abstract virtues such as goodness of nature, love, tenderness, and consideration.
This comb was carried about on any woman whose husband went to war or on a journey and is being expected back.
