Adinkra Symbols

Dreaming Out Loud is founded upon an idealistic vision that is grounded in the realities of everyday life. Our culture is exemplified by a collection of African symbols known as Adinkra. These symbols come from the Akan – one of the larger ethnic groups in West Africa – who live in southern Ghana and southeastern Cote d’Ivoire.

The Adinkra symbols are used most often during funerals, serving as reminders of divine providence and the wisdom inherent in the fundamental virtues of life.  Literally the word Adinkra means “a message one gives to another when departing.” The symbols are woven or printed onto cloth that is worn during the solemn occasion of one’s transition to the “afterlife.” The grieving person conveys a message to the departing soul that reflects the Akan’s communal values and worldview.

These multi-layered parables and philosophical concepts express a cultural posture centered on the quality of human relations, spiritual upliftment, and character building. As such the Adinkra symbols are woven into the fabric of Dreaming Out Loud’s culture and provides the context for our daily work.