Look at you; you have no idea what Adinkra symbols even are (unless you do, but work with me here for a moment). Fortunately, we here at AfroDuck Studios do not immediately insult people based on their knowledge base, because that’s just mean and doesn’t allow for great exchanges of information. So here’s the rundown:

Adinkra are symbols that represent different concepts or sayings. They originated in Ghana, and you can see them most often on pottery, in architecture, and especially on clothes and fabrics. You’ve probably seen them before without realizing their meanings. An item from our game, the Kente Cloth, draws inspiration from these very cloths! See if you can make out some Adinkra symbols in Astraia’s doodle.

Wow! I know I can’t! Astraia never was good at drawing details, though…

But with that out of the way, how about we let you apply some of this newfound knowledge? Here are some of the Adinkra symbols we’ve researched and made use of in the world of Zakumba!

This symbol here is “Akofena,” or “The state ceremonial swords.” This is the symbol of courage, valor, and heroism. And, in Zakumba, it’s what the Kokusi use to represent their region. Being a people whose culture is formed around their warriors, this is quite the fit!

These crossed swords were, apparently, a popular symbol of the Akan people, being used in various heraldic shields (effectively, a coat of arms). As such, they also have come to represent the authority of a state.

Our next symbol is “Wawa Aba,” or “Seed of the Wawa tree,” which has come to represent perseverance and toughness. Although this is a rather obvious conclusion to arrive at, I’ll state it anyway; the seed of the Wawa tree is very tough, which, also rather obviously, is where the symbol is derived from.

This is also the symbol for our Awa class, or the class of the tanky defenders (otherwise known as Astraia’s class). It’s a symbol for those who can’t stay down; those who constantly weather the storm to grow perfectly upright. Perhaps this symbol represents more than just Astraia’s class…

Our last symbol for today is actually one that’s in the game itself! And it’s this one here! FWA-BOOM!

Behold! This is “Aya,” or “Fern!” This symbol here represents endurance and resourcefulness. This was likely chosen because ferns are such hardy plants, able to grow just about anywhere, making them perfect symbols of making the best of and thriving in any situation.

This is also the main symbol for Pygunjú, the region Zakumba: Astraia takes place in! Perhaps the leaders of Pygunjú thought this was a wonderful symbol for their creation-based culture, but, with the further brewing of tensions between the ragged workers and the upper class, it has since taken on a much more ironic meaning.

And there you have it: three Adinkra symbols! There’s, like, a LOT of these, so if I’m ever feeling particularly lazy, you’ll see another one blog showing some of them off. But when that inevitably happens, don’t bring it up. Just say, “Wow! We love Adinkra symbols so much!” It’ll make me feel better.

The Hour (or Few Minutes, I Guess) of Adinkra Symbols: the Adinkra Blog #1