H.G Kente Royal collection HGC137

Name of Pattern

Literal Meaning

Symbolism

Interpretation/Brief History

Obi nkye obi kwan mu si

To err is human.

Forgiveness, conciliation, tolerance, patience, fairness

Sooner or later, one will stray into another’s path. To err is human, thus we must seek conciliation when offended, as we may be the ones asking forgiveness tomorrow.

Oyokoman na gya da mu

Crisis in the Oyoko nation.

Warning against internal conflict and strife, need for unity in diversity,  reconciliation

Commemorative of the civil war, subsequent to the death of Osei Tutu, between two factions of Oyoko royalty.

Sika fre mogya

Money attracts blood relations.

Familial relationship, responsibility, sharing, hard work

Wealth strengthens family bonds. And when one succeeds, one is obliged to share this success with loved ones.

Awia repue

Rising sun.

Progress, renewal, development, warmth, vitality, energy

The Progress Party that ruled Ghana between 1969 and 1972 used this symbol as its party logo.

Nsoromma

Stars.

Hope, high expectation, dependence on God, power of the people

The state belongs not to the king but to the people. The stars depict the people, while the moon is the king. Kings come and go, but the people remain.

Achimota nsafoa

Achimota keys.

Knowledge, harmony, unity in diversity

Commemorative of the Achimota School and College founded in 1927. It represents the school’s logo – the black and white keys of a piano. One can make melody on either set of keys, but one can only create harmony by playing the white and black keys together.

Akokobaatan

Mother hen.

Motherliness, tenderness, parental care and discipline

When the hen steps on the feet of her chicks, she does not mean to kill them. Parental admonition is not intended to harm, but to correct the child. The good parent feeds the children not only with food, but with love, warmth, care and tender affection.

Adwinasa

All motifs are used up.

Royalty, elegance, creativity, ingenuity, wealth, excellence, perfection, superior craftsmanship

The elders say that the original designer of this cloth, in an attempt to impress the Asantehene, decided to weave a unique cloth. In doing so, he made use of all motifs known to weavers at the time and then remarked that he had exhausted the then repertoire. The resulting cloth became one of the most prestigious of kente cloths.

Obaakofo mmu man

One person does not rule a nation.

Participatory democracy, warning against autocratic rule

Expressive of the Akan governing system based on participatory democracy. The nine squares represent “mpuankron” (nine tufts of hair), the ceremonial haircut of royal functionaries who helped rulers make decisions.

Sika futoro

Gold dust.

Royalty, wealth, elegance, honorable achievement, spiritual purity

Long before coins and paper notes, gold dust was used as a medium of exchange among the Akan people, and thus symbolized wealth and prosperity. The predominance of intricate patterns in yellow, orange and red visually depicts gold dust.

Abusua ye dom

The extended family is a force.

Strong family bonds, the value of family unity, cooperation, collective work and responsibility,

The extended family is the foundation of Akan society. Family members are collectively responsible for the material and spiritual well-being and protection of every member.

Emaa da

It has not happened before. It has no precedent.

Innovation, uniqueness, perfection, creativity, ingenuity, exceptional achievement

An Ashanti king of old is said to have been so awed by the uniqueness of this pattern that he exclaimed, “Eyi de emaa da,” meaning “This one has no precedent,” and it was thus reserved for his exclusive use.

Toku kra toma

Toku’s soul cloth.

Courageous leadership, heroism, self-sacrifice, spiritual vitality, rebirth

Commemorative of the soul of a warrior queen mother, named Toku, who, though defeated and executed in battle, was greatly revered and remembered for her bravery.

Wofro dua pa a na yepia wo

One who climbs a tree worth climbing earns the help of others.

Aspiration, hope, mutual benefit, sharing, nobility

When one attempts to climb a fruitful tree, he will be pushed up by others as they are assured of enjoying the fruits of his labor. Expressive of the Akan social belief that a worthy individual effort is deserving of communal support, a notion that reinforces the importance of aspiring towards a worthy cause.

Kyerekwie

The lion-catcher.

Courage, valor, exceptional achievement, inspiring leadership

Commemorative the reign of King Kwaku Dua (1838-1867) who tested the courage of his warriors by ordering them to catch a leopard alive.

Akyempem

Thousands of shields.

Military prowess, strength, bravery, political vigilance, spiritual defense

Referential to the shields used by well-organized armies of thousands of men and women who defended the Ashanti Kingdom with their lives.

Nyankonton

God’s eyebrow (the rainbow).

Beauty, grace, divine creativity, uniqueness, good omen

Created in adoration of the beauty and mystery of rainbows. The arrangement of the yarns mimics the visual representation of a rainbow.