Gold Weight: Bird (Sankofa)
Beginning in the 14th century, the Akan engaged in trade using complex measurement systems…
WELCOME To Akan Heritage
No one knows the origin of a great person
MEKO BONO HOMECOMING AND FESTIVAL
Overview of Akans
Akan people are an ethnic group primarily located in central and southern parts of Ghana. Akan jurisdiction extends to Ivory Coast (La Côte d'lvoire) specifically the eastern parts and Togo, as well as other countries.
Upcoming Events
Adinkra Symbols
Akan symbol crafted by Gyamanhene (Bonohene) Nana Kwadwo Adinkra.
Our Culture
Key Aspects of Akan Culture
Language & Oral Tradition
Akan people speak Twi and Fante and use storytelling and proverbs to share wisdom and preserve traditions.
Social Structure
Akan society is matrilineal, with inheritance passed through the mother. Chiefs lead and maintain customs.
Religion and Spirituality
They believe in Supreme Being (Nyame), Asaase Yaa, Lesser gods, and Ancestors with rituals and festivals like Akwasidae and Odwira.
Art and Symbols
Known for kente cloth, Adinkra symbols, and gold jewelry, all of which convey cultural values and status.
Festivals and Celebrations
Events like Apoo, Odwira, Kwafie, Adaekese, Akwasidae, Monofie, etc. commemorate past occurrences, honour ancestors, celebrate harvest, and unite communities.
Music and Dance
Drumming, singing, and dances like Adowa and Kete are integral to ceremonies and storytelling.
Akan Ethnic Group
History of the Akan Ethnic Group
This video provides an insightful overview of the origins and migration patterns of the Akan people, shedding light on their rich historical background
Art and Architecture!!
Gold Artifacts
Gold holds significant cultural importance among the Akan. Artisans craft items like ceremonial swords, jewelry, and regalia using techniques such as lost-wax casting. These artifacts symbolize wealth and power.
Terracotta Sculptures
Terracotta heads, known as nsodie, serve as memorial portraits of Akan rulers. These sculptures are detailed representations that honor and remember past leaders.
Fihankra Compounds
A typical Akan compound, known as fihankra, consists of four single-room houses arranged around a central courtyard. This design fosters communal living and social interaction.
Decorative Elements
Akan buildings often feature intricate carvings and motifs, including Adinkra symbols, which convey specific cultural messages and proverbs. These decorations enhance the aesthetic appeal and cultural significance of the structures.
Our Blogs
Sankofa Symbol
Sankofa means “go back and get it” — symbolized by a bird reaching back for an egg on its back…
How We Started
Akan Heritage was born from a deep passion to preserve the identity and stories of the Akan people…
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Gallery
Anoma antu a, Obua da
If a bird does not fly, it goes hungry
Some Exciting Akan Proverbs
Discover the wisdom of Akan culture through these timeless proverbs:- 1. "Woforo dua pa a, na yepia wo." (When you climb a good tree, you are given a push.)
- 2. "Obi nkyere akwadaa Nyame." (No one shows a child God.)
- 3. "Dua koro gye mframa a, ebu." (One tree cannot withstand the wind alone.)
- 4. "Fie biaa mensa da ho." (Every home has its skeletons.)
- 5. "Nyansa nni baako fo." (Wisdom is not in one person’s head.)
- 6. "Ebanin se, animguase mfata Okanni." (Shame does not befit an Akan person.)
- 7. "Tikoro nko agyina." (One head does not hold council.)
- 8. "Anomaa a ɔnhyɛ n’akyi, ɔda ne ho kɔm." (A bird that doesn’t look back ends up hungry.)
- 9. "Sɛ obi ka wo ho asɛm a, na ɔka wo nkyɛ." (When someone talks about you, they know you exist.)
- 10. "Adidi mma nsa bɔne." (Eating does not lead to bad behavior.)
- 11. "Obi nkyere abofra nyansa." (No one teaches a child wisdom.)
- 12. "Ehia wo a, gyina hɔ." (If you’re poor, stand firm.)
- 13. "Duako koraa yɛbo a, ɛtwa." (Even the strongest tree can be cut down.)
- 14. "Sɛ wo yɛe a, wo ara na wo yɛ wo ho." (You are your own destiny.)
- 15. "Besease yie a, na nnɔbae yɛ." (A fertile ground yields good fruit.)
- 16. "Nsuo a ɛnni nsakyera bɔtɔ." (Water without boundaries will spill.)
- 17. "Wonnim wɔfie a, yɛkɔ ha." (If you don’t know the way home, you get lost.)
- 18. "Obi nkyere okoto mmerɛ." (No one teaches the crab how to crawl.)
- 19. "Ehia wo a, sika nyɛ wo ho dɛ." (If you’re poor, money doesn’t look good on you.)
- 20. "Ahwene pa nkasa." (A good bead does not make noise.)
- 21. "Sɛ nsuo yɛ dɛ a, na ɛfiri ne so." (If water is sweet, it’s from its source.)
- 22. "Obi nnim obiara ase a, obi ntena ase." (No one knows everyone’s secret, so no one can reign.)
- 23. "Sɛ ɔkɔm de obi a, na ɔkɔ sɛ." (Hunger teaches patience.)
- 24. "Nyansa bɛyɛ fo a, ɛnam ntetee so." (Wisdom comes through upbringing.)
- 25. "Obi nkyere abofra Onyame." (No one teaches a child who God is.)
- 26. "Ɛsono ne ho yɛ fɛ na ɛyɛ dɛ." (The elephant’s skin is beautiful because of its size.)
- 27. "Nkyene yɛ dɛ, na nanso ɛde nsuo guare." (Salt is sweet but requires water to wash it off.)
- 28. "Obi nnkyerɛ wo da ho." (No one teaches you how to sleep.)
- 29. "Ɛbanin wɔ ahoɔfɛ a, ɛnyɛ nkɔso." (A bad person may look good but lacks progress.)
- 30. "Nsa a ɛyɛ dɛ, ɛnam wɔfie so." (Good drinks are shared at home.)