Fihankra, The Adopted Adinkra Symbol For The African Games Medals
The Adinkra symbol, Fihankra was what was adopted as the symbol for the medals at the just ended 13th African Games held in Ghana.
Fihankra is a symbol of security, It is made up of two Akan words, Fie (house), and hankra (compound).
The symbol reflects security, safety, solidarity and communality enjoyed in the company of family members (usually includes extended family) who live in a compound house. There are over 200 Adinkra symbols in Ghana with their respective meanings.
Adinkra symbols were originally created by the Bono people of Gyaman. The King of Gyaman Nana Kwadwo Agyemang Adinkra originally designed these symbols, naming it after himself.
The adinkra symbols were largely used on pottery, stools etc. by the people of Bono. Adinkra cloth was worn by the king of Gyaman and its usage spread from Bono to Asante and other Akan kingdoms. The Adinkra symbols were largely used on pottery, stools.
After the defeat of Bono by the Asantes, it is said that the guild designers who designed the symbols in Bono were forced to teach the Asantes the craft.Gyaman King Nana Kwadwo Adinkra’s first son, Apau, who was said to be well versed in the craft, was forced to teach more about the Adinkra cloths. Oral accounts have attested to the fact that Apau taught the process to a man named Kwaku Dwaku in a town near Kumasi.
Over time, all Akan people including the Fantes, Akuapem and Akyem all made Adinkra symbols a major part of their culture as they all originated from the Bono kingdom.
Source:firstnewsroom.com
