AKAN ARCHITECTURE |
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© G. F. Kojo Arthur and Robert Rowe - 1998-2001 A wall of an old house
The fihankra (compound house) style of building consists of a central quadrangle which is enclosed on all four sides with rooms. The multi-room rectangular building with an open courtyard found in Akan houses, as captured by the fihankra symbol, marks the Akan concept of private and public space. The Akan fihankra building used as a home demarcates between the fie (inside, private) and abonten (outside, public).
Fihankra - Compound House
The fihankra symbolizes protection, security and spirituality. In front of the house is placed a stump called the Nyame dua - God's altar which represent's God's presence and protection. When one enters the house, the open courtyard (adiwo in Twi; Fantse call it paado) represents the public space within the house. This open courtyard has multiple uses. It is usually surrounded by a verandah where guests may be received. A bigger group of guests will usually be received in the dampan. The dampan (literally, empty room) is semi-private and has multiple uses: from receiving guests, and holding court to laying the dead in state during funerals. Then, there are the private rooms: living room, bed rooms, bathrooms, etc. There is also the kitchen, which very often extends into the open courtyard. In a big Akan house, there is the women's quarters (mmaa mu) which will have its own open courtyard and a number of private rooms. The kitchen and the bathrooms will usually be in these quarters. In the Asantehene's Palace the women's quarters is called Hia or Hyia. The concept of fihankra
reinforces the idea of close family ties and unity.
Nyame Dua - God's Altar Adinkra cloth symbol called Nyame dua Nyame dua (God's altar) is a tree stump that may be found in front of houses or in the open courtyard of the fihankra (compound house). The symbol signifies God's presence and God's protection. The tree stump may hold a pot to catch direct rain water considered as holy water for religious ceremonies. A hotel entrance with adinkra symbols
The incorporation of symbols in Akan architecture was traditionally limited to public buildings such as the king's palace (ahemfie) and shrine building (abosom dan), and, in some cases, the homes of high ranking community leaders. In contemporary times the symbols are incorporated in both private and public buildings in order to emphasize Akan aesthetics as well as the social significance of the buildings.
Obaa ne oman - Woman is the Nation
This symbol depicts the Akan belief that when a boy is born, an individual is born; but when a girl is born, a nation is born.
A contemporary house that incorporates the
Some of Akan symbols that are on the outside wall of the
National Cultural Center,
A wall incorporating the stool (adwa) symbol
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OSIADAN NYAME - GOD THE BUILDER
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OSIADAN NYAME - GOD THE BUILDER |
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| YEN YIEDEE
- OUR WELL BEING
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YEN YIEDEE - OUR WELL BEING |
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| ANANTUO -
CALF
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ANANTUO - CALF
Literal translation: When the calf is bigger than the thigh, then there is a problem. |
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FIHANKRA - COMPOUND HOUSE
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FIHANKRA - COMPOUND HOUSE
Fihankra symbol depicts the Akan family house which is rectangular in shape and has a central courtyard. It is a symbol of protection, security and spirituality. The open courtyard within the house serves as the center of activities in the household. The Akan home is shared by all members of the extended family. Therefore, the concept of fihankra reinforces the idea of close family ties and unity. |
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The Nkonnuafieso Temple at the National Cultural Center, Kumasi The columns and walls of this building incorporate several symbols including biribi wo soro (there is something in the heavens) |
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ASENNUA - CROSS
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ASENNUA - CROSS Symbol of SUPREME SACRIFICE, REDEMPTION, and SELFLESSNESS From the aphorism: Yesu bewuu wo asennua so begyee adasa nkwa. Literal translation: Jesus died on the cross to save mankind. |
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FAN MILK BLOCK
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 A
building column incorporating the biribi
wo soro (there is something in the heavens) symbol. |
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 Wall decoration of an old house at Abetifi, near Nkawkaw. |
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OBAA NE OMAN - WOMAN IS THE NATION
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OBAA NE OMAN - WOMAN IS THE NATION From the maxim: Obaa ne oman. When a boy is born, an individual is born; but when a girl is born, a nation is born. |
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| Date last updated: 08/27/2007 | |||
Akan architecture is not only
elaborate in terms of function and building technology. It also presents, as a reflection
of the people and their spirit of independence, a variety of forms and design principles
that encode expressive messages which continue to astonish foreign observers. Various
symbols are used as base relief or plinths, banisters, and walls in Akan architecture.
Different
symbols are used as base relief or plinths and walls. They may be used to give a
honeycomb effect or serve as screen walls providing openings for ventilation while at the
same time serving as protection against visual intrusion. 
In recent years, architects have utilized some of the symbols to resolve design
problems associated with fenestration, balustrading, fencing and finishings in both
private and public buildings. For example, the Children's Library Complex in Accra
incorporates the symbol called mmabunu benyini (the young shall
grow). The medical students hostel at the University of Science and Technology has a
honeycomb wall that incorporates the yen yiedie (our well being)
symbol. The Catholic Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra, the Emmanuel Methodist Church at
Labadi, Accra, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church at Community One, Tema, and the walls at
the front gate, as well as the columns of the Nkonnuafieso Temple of the Kumasi National
Cultural Center are other examples of public buildings that have incorporated several of
the Akan symbols. 
