I have been fascinated by the notion of courage lately and found this artwork on NOVICA.com by Evans Nii Adjetey Adjei. Go to the site to see a larger image. Here is what he describes:
… adinkra symbols are a source of courage and identity. Ghanaian art is rich in imagery, often utilizing these abstract motifs that bear ancestral messages. From left to right, he depicts the nyame dua, or “tree of God” representing God’s protection and presence. Nsaa is a type of hand-woven cloth symbolizing excellence, genuineness and authenticity. Sunsum (spirit) stands for spirituality while mate masie (what I hear, I keep) represents wisdom and knowledge. Dwennimmen depicts ram’s horns, a symbol of both humility and strength. Gye nyame (except God) recalls God’s supremacy and owo foro adobe (snake climbing the raffia tree) symbolizes steadfastness, prudence and diligence. The crocodile denkyem stands for adaptability, and dame-dame, a board game, represents intelligence and ingenuity.
There are many characteristics of courage. Periodically, I will explore stories, ideas, and metaphors of that differentiating quality called courage.
If you have any ideas for some symbology of courage, go to www.Mikons.com and create them and tag them “courage”, or send me a note and I will make one.
