Adinkara Charm Meanings

DUAFE - The Duafe is a symbol of femininity, love, care, and good hygiene. To the Akans, it signified the qualities they considered feminine, such as fondness, prudence, and patience. DWENNIMMEN - Dwennimmen, literally meaning "ram's horns," symbolizes that even the strong have to also be humble. The symbol is a bird's eye view of two rams butting heads, and the rams' horns symbolizes strength and humility through the characteristics of a ram. A ram will courageously fight against its foes when prompted, but will submit to slaughter when necessary, indicating that even the strong have to be humble. MMERE DANE – Change. Mmere Dane means “time changes” or “times change.” It is a symbol for the temporariness of good times. Good situations are not permanent so the fortunate should not boast; bad situations are not permanent so the less fortunate should not give up. No condition is permanent, hence, man should be humble, cooperative and hopeful in all his endeavors. GYE NYAME - Gye Nyame, meaning “except for God,” symbolizes God’s omnipotence through the knowledge that people should not fear anything except for God. Another interpretation of “except for God” is that no one has seen the beginning of all creations, nor will anyone live to see the end, except for God. Gye Nyame indicates the recognition of the supremacy of God over all beings, and therefore is the one that is feared and revered by all. NKYINKYIM - It stands for inscrutability as well as for initiative, adaptability, versatility and dynamism. The design of Nkyinkyim depicts the tortuous nature of life’s journey. These twists and turns require one to be versatile and resilient to survive. The symbol shall illustrate a hermit crab which come out from a shell. The symbol means literary: "You, player of many roles, kind lord! The proverb associated with this symbol is “Ɔbra kwan yɛ nkyinkyimii,” which literally means “Life’s journey is twisted.” NSEREWA – Wealth, abundance and affluence. In ancient times, cowry shells were used as money as a means of payment for the exchange of goods and services. This symbol of cowry shells still represents a medium of exchange for the people. NYAME DUA - translating to ‘tree of God’ or ‘the altar of God’ is a symbol of God's presence and protection. The Nyame Dua is a sacred spot where rituals are performed. Erected in front of the house or compound, it is crafted from a tree that has been cut where three or more branches come together. This stake holds an earthenware vessel filled with water and herbs or other symbolic materials for purification and blessing rituals.