GOLDWEIGHTS AS PROVERBS AKAN CULTURAL SYMBOLS PROJECT AKAN METAL CASTING GOLDWEIGHTS JEWELLERY STATE SWORDS PROVERB GOLDWEIGHTS
The Akan often elaborate their spoken words with both visual and poetic dimensions by using context-related proverbs or clever metaphors to ennoble their messages. This practice not only demonstrates a speaker's wisdom, cultivation, and eloquence in the use of his language, but also reveals his understanding of human nature and his ability to assess the underlying subtleties of specific situations.
Mpaboa - Sandals
Owuo Atwedee - Death's Ladder
SAMPLES OF AKAN GOLDWEIGHTS AND THEIR RELATED PROVERBS
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SANKOFA - GO BACK AND RETRIEVE
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SANKOFA - GO BACK AND RETRIEVE Symbol of WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE,and the PEOPLE'S HERITAGE From the aphorism: Se wo were fi na wosankofa a, yenkyi. Literal translation: There is nothing wrong with learning from hindsight. The word SANKOFA is derived from
the words SAN (return), KO
(go), FA (look, seek and take). This symbolizes the Akan's quest
for knowledge with the implication that the quest is based on critical examination, and
intelligent and patient investigation. The symbol is based on a mythical bird that flies
forwards with its head turned backwards. This reflects the Akan belief that the past
serves as a guide for planning the future, or the wisdom in learning from the past in
building the future. The Akan believe that there must be movement with times but as the
forward march proceeds, the gems must be picked from behind and carried forward on the
march. In the Akan military system, this symbol signified the rearguard, the section on
which the survival of the society and the defense of its heritage depended. |
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| AKYEM -
SHIELD
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AKYEM - SHIELD
Symbol of BRAVERY AND HEROIC DEEDS, GLORIOUS ACCOMPLISHMENT, PERMANENCE OF DEEDS OF DISTINCTION, and DURABILITY From the proverb: Akyem tete a, eka ne mmeramu. Literal translation: When a
shield wears out, the framework still remains. |
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| APREMOO
- CANON
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APREMOO - CANON
Symbol of RESISTANCE AGAINST FOREIGN DOMINATION, SUPERIOR MILITARY STRATEGY
This motif represents the superior military strategy with which Akan nations such as the Asante and Akwamu defeated the Europeans who had superior arms. |
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AKOWUA NTOA - AKOWUA'S GUN CATRIDGE
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AKOWUA NTOA - AKOWUA'S GUN CATRIDGE
S ymbol of RESOURCEFULNESS, PREPAREDNESS,and INGENUITYFrom the proverb: Atuduro asa a, nnye Akowua ntoa mu a. Literal translation: The gun catridge-belt of Akowua has never been known to lack bullets. A resourceful and well prepared person is never found wanting. |
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AKOKO NAN TIA NE BA SO A - WHEN THE HEN STEPS ON HER CHICK'S FEET
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AKOKO NAN TIA NE BA SO A - WHEN THE HEN STEPS ON HER CHICK'S
FEET
Symbol of MOTHERLINESS, PARENTAL CARE, PARENTAL DISCIPLINE, and TENDERNESS From the proverbs: Akoko baatan tia ne ba so a, onku no. Also, Akoko baatan na onim dea ne mma bedi. Literal translation: When the hen steps on the feet of her chicken, she does not mean to kill them.That is, parental admonition is not intended to harm the child, but to correct the child. Also, The good mother knows what her children will eat. A good mother does not only feed her children food alone, she also feeds them with love, affection, warmth, tenderness and care.
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AKODAA BO NWA - THE CHILD BREAKS THE SNAIL
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AKODAA BO NWA - THE CHILD BREAKS THE SNAIL
Symbol of RECOGNITION
OF ONE'S ABILITIES, LIMITATIONS ON ONE'S ABILITY
From the proverb: Akodaa bo nwa ommo akyekyedee. Literal translation: The child is capable of splitting open the snail, not the tortoise. One must be given the task within his/her ability. Or, one should recognize one's limitations before embarking any task. |
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NANKA BOBONYA - THE PATIENT PUFF ADDER
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NANKA BOBONYA - THE PATIENT PUFF ADDER
Symbol of PATIENCE, TACTFULNESS, DIPLOMACY, and STRATEGIC PLANNING From the proverb: Nanka bobonya oda asase so anya onwam. Literal translation: The puff adder that cannot fly has caught the hornbill that flies. |
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HURIYE SI AKYEKYEDEE AKYI - THE TSETSE-FLY ON TORTOISE'S BACK
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HURIYE SI AKYEKYEDEE AKYI - THE TSETSE-FLY ON TORTOISE'S
BACK
Symbol of EXERCISE
IN FUTILITY
From the proverb: Huriye si akyekyedee akyi a, osi ho kwa. Literal translation: The tsetse-fly is perched on the tortoise's back in vain. The fly is engaged in a futile effort in trying to suck blood through the hard shell of the tortoise.
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FUNTUMFUNAFU
DENKYEM FUNAFU - JOINED CROCODILES |
FUNTUMFUNAFU DENKYEM FUNAFU - JOINED CROCODILES
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DAWUROBONI- GONG GONG BEATER |
DAWUROBONI- GONG GONG BEATER Symbol of ALERTNESS, LOYALTY, DUTIFULNESS, and meritorious public service From the proverb: Dawuroboni nsuro mantamu. |
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ANOMAA NITEFOO - THE CLEVER BIRD
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ANOMAA
NITEFOO - THE CLEVER BIRD
Symbol of BEING
OUTWITTED, OUTFOXED, BEING OUTSMARTED
From the proverb: Anomaa nitefoo, afidie yi no a, eyi no ntentennoa. Literal translation: The clever bird is easily trapped in the leaves at the edges. The one who claims to be smart is easily outsmarted by a simple trap.
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NEA NE EPA DA WO - HE WHOSE HANDCUFF YOU WEAR
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NEA NE EPA DA WO - HE WHOSE HANDCUFF YOU WEAR
Symbol of SERVITUDE, JUSTICE, LAW, ORDER, CONTROL From the aphorism: Onii a ne epa da wo no, n'akoa ne wo. Or, Se woko kurom na se ho odekuro mantam dedua mu a, yemmusa se kuro mu ho ye. Literal translation: You are the subject of he whose handcuffs you wear. Or, When you go to a town and you see the chief of the town is in handcuffs, you do not ask whether everything is alright in that town.
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AKAN METAL CASTING GOLDWEIGHTS JEWELLERY STATE SWORDS PROVERB GOLDWEIGHTS
10/14/2009 |
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Gold weights often
represent proverbs and other genres from the extensive Akan oral literature. In this
manner of usage, quite apart from their utilitarian and manifest purpose of being used to
measure the value of gold dust, gold weights are meant to serve as powerful expressive
medium for communicating Akan values, beliefs, and proper social relations and
behavior. 
The metaphorical uses of
gold weights
take their particular significance from Akan world view that is premised on humanism -
concern for human wellbeing vis-a-vis legal and social justice, equality, equitable
distribution of goods, and human rights. The expression associated with mpaboa
(sandals) is: Wonni mpaboa a, pè bi, wonni atuduro a, pè bi na me ne
wo wò bi ka wò seramu -- If you do not have
sandals, find some, if you do not have gun powder, find some for a score to settle with
you on the battle grounds. The symbol is used metaphorically in this
statement to express the declaration of war.
