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The Adinkra dictionary: A visual primer on the language of Adinkra Paperback – January 1, 1998

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 67 ratings

Text: English
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pyramid Complex (January 1, 1998)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 314 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0966153219
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0966153200
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.65 pounds
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 67 ratings

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W. Bruce Willis
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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
67 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2013
This book has helped an artist friend for years. The Adinkra symbols are prevalent in every piece of not only her art, but also quite a number of artist I've purchased in the past. I love the beauty of the symbols and wanted to know more about other symbols and their meanings. She's on here second copy of this book and this is my first copy. When I'm wearing one of the many popular Adnikra symbols, I can now explain to anyone asking what they mean and what they mean to me....great teaching opportunity! This is a great book for anyone wanting to learn more about these symbols we see used in every shape, form and fashion....in our everyday lives.... It's well written and illustrated...Quick and easy to read for any level...A must have for those seeking to understand Adinkra symbols and wisdom. Thank you Mr W. Bruce Willis
Robin
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2012
I love this book. A lot of research and effort has gone into it. I lived for several years in Ghana and like so many, I fell in love with the country, the people, culture and history. Again like so many, I was so busy working I didn't fully appreciate the richness around me. There is a lot about Adinkra scattered across the internet, but this piece of work is the only consolidated item I have found.

Thank you Mr Willis for putting this together. There is a wealth of information, its well written and goes into a lot of detail, for instance which symbols sometimes get confused with which.

It illustrates the emotional richness and maturity of a people that many nations can only aspire to.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2010
This is a superlative book on Adinkra taxtile design. The techniques and the history of Adinkra are explained in detail, ans a general history of the Ashanti and Ghana is also provided. The symbolism and historical derivation of many Adinkra symbols are explained. This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in this textile art, from textile designers and creative artists, to individuals who are exploring their Ashanti roots, to persons who have an interest in the culture that developed this spiritual art form. My only wish is that it could have been longer and included a greater number of the more than 200 Adinkra symbols; however, the basic ones are covered in detail.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2012
Excellent book with good descriptions, illustrations and translations. The nuances of the Adinkran language are very important to understanding its symbols and meanings, and this book handles those nuances very well. Overall a very worth-while book to read on the subject.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2014
I love this book. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in Andinkra symbols, the many ethnic groups, and the history of Ghana. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of wonderful background information on Ghana. It covered ancient history, colonial, and then modern history after gaining independence. The book is filled with wonderful maps and illustrations of the people of Ghana. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Ghana, or moving there. We really enjoyed the meanings of the symbols which introduced us to the rich culture behind the symbols. Best book I have seen on Ghana and the Andinkra symbols.
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2014
Indeed as Ghanaian this book has brought me closer to my culture than ever before. Not only that, but the Adinkra language is now mine to study from. What more can I ask for, this book makes me fell like having my grate uncle with me again teaching me. It is such a great book. I think any Ghanaian who love to know more about our culture and tradition should get a copy. I love it and I'm feasting on it. Thank God for it. Nana Ossei Owusu.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2021
Excellent. Author did a great job! Good for anyone wanting to understand and utilized African designs.
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2014
Prior to purchasing this book, I was searching for information on-line. This book gave me a more in-depth view, and meanings of the symbolism used in West African culture. Information that I can pass on my daughter. I was also very pleased with delivery speed, and the personal note written on the receipt from the author. In this world of technology where we are all so impersonal with the use of e-mail, text, and etc. It was nice and refreshing to receive a handwritten thank you.

Top reviews from other countries

John S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on July 21, 2018
Enjoying the book and philosophy of the designs...
LaVeau
4.0 out of 5 stars Hopefully there will be more such book. With more information, learning to read as complete language
Reviewed in Germany on August 10, 2018
Love book and hoping for more of such books to study as a stable readable language in sentences