Sankɔfa: The Philosophical and Socio-Cultural Values in Akan Semiosis

• In Event: Examining the Sankofa Principle in Action

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate what semiotic analysis can discover about the proverbial Adinkra Symbols in Akan. Semiotic analysis examines objects, which can range from images and words to physical items, and their meanings as individual interpreters understand them (Hall, 1997). One key area of the Akan culture that typifies their wisdom and rich culture is the visualization of concepts and Ideas. These ideas are projected through art symbols called “Adinkra”. The study focuses on the philosophical and communicative function of some Akan Adinkra symbols with a semiotic approach using the art-based research method. Thirty (20) Adinkra symbols were collated and analyzed. The descriptive method was used to explain the philosophical and daily applications of the proverbial adinkra symbols. It hypothesized in the study that, the proverbial adinkra symbols, which constituted major components of Ghanaian communication skills and ancient wisdom, is fast falling into the background in this 21st century. Not in the availability of the symbols but in the comprehension of its philosophy and sociocultural values. The study recommends that the philosophy and the socio-cultural values in the proverbial adinkra symbols should be produced through educational materials in Ghana schools, songs, and media shows.

Authors

• Nicholas Obeng Agyekum, Indiana University, Bloomington

• Nana Amoah-Ramey, Indiana University Bloomington