AMULETOS COLLECTION
Adinkras are symbols created by the Ashanti people, part of the Akans from western Africa. Each symbol in this system carries its people’s wisdom and expresses their values and traditions. Originally used in farewell ceremonies, the Adinkra symbols spread throughout the world and are now part of our architecture, clothes and objects. The intentions they carry remain, though, and spread with them.
The Amuletos (Amulets) Collection is a realization of many intentions stitched in copper. Copper is a very conductive metal and was the first one to be used intentionally by humans. Sewing Adinkras with copper evokes our ancestry, the need to tell stories with symbols and to pass down wisdom. Each amulet emanates the wishes and knowledge its symbol conveys and the hope that we will let the good wishes they carry to be part of our lives.
DESCRIPTION
Collection of 10 unique artworks
Graphite tracing paper and copper thread stitching on paper
29,7x41cm (11.8"x16")
December, 2022
Acid-free and neutral PH paper, 300g/m², 100% from sustainable forests in Brazil
BESE SAKA
Bese Saka means "a sack of cola nuts". Cola nuts grow spontaneously in the Western Africa and are said to have healing qualities being used to treat from anemia to migraines and heart illnesses. Their important role in the economic life of Ghana made them a symbol of abundance, prosperity and unity.
29,7x41cm (11.8"x16")
2022
1/10
MAKO
Translating simply as "pepper", the word mako forms part of the proverb "All peppers do not ripen at the same time". Mako tells us that every person has their own time in learning and growing and gently reminds us that no situation is permanent. We must always lend a hand to those in need for the world is an ever-turning wheel and our place in it is ever-changing.
29,7x41cm (11.8"x16")
2022
2/10
ANANSE
Ananse Ntontan translates to "spider's web". Ananse is a very well-known character from African folktales. It was him, half man, half spider, who brought from the skies to Earth all the tales and stories. For that he is the symbol for creativity, wisdom and the complexity of life.
29,7x41cm (11.8"x16")
2022
3/10
KOJO BAIDEN
Kojo Baiden means nothing less than the universe and its omnipresence. It's a protective symbol that embodies the idea of us, everyone and everything being connected. Relates to our intuition, if we are all one then everything and anything can be found inside of us, we just have to look for it.
29,7x41cm (11.8"x16")
2022
4/10
MMERE DANE
From the Twi proverb “Mmere dane, dane”, which literally translates to “time changes, changes”. Life is like a flowing river, it can’t exist without constant change. We have to learn how to accept the natural flow of life so that our soul can be one with the whole.
29,7x41cm (11.8"x16")
2022
5/10
FAWOHODIE
From the proverb “Fawodhodie ene obre na enam”, meaning “independence comes with its responsibilities”. This Adinkra is a symbol for freedom and independence and reminds us those are things that should always be used with wisdom.
29,7x41cm (11.8"x16")
2022
6/10
FUNTUNFUNEFU DUA
Translating literally to Siamese crocodiles, this symbol reminds us of the importance of tolerance and cooperation. Normally independent, the crocodiles are forced to coexist and unite in order to survive and for that have become a symbol that represents unity among different religions and cultures.
29,7x41cm (11.8"x16")
2022
7/10
HYE WON HYE
From the proverb “Hye wonhye” or “Burn you won ́t burn”, this Adinkra gets its meaning from the old practice of walking on fire without burning ones feet. It is symbol for overcoming difficulties and enduring the wrongs in our lives.
29,7x41cm (11.8"x16")
2022
8/10
NKYINKYIM
From the verb “Kyim” which means to twist, this Adinkra represents knowing how to adapt through the tortuous paths that make life’s journeys.
29,7x41cm (11.8"x16")
2022
9/10
AWURADE BAATANFO
Meaning “God, the mother”, this Adinkra carries a feminine energy that translates into protection, nurturing and caring.
29,7x41cm (11.8"x16")
2022
10/10
