"Akofena (State Swords)" Adinkra Batik Dyed Fabric from Ghana
Artwork
Medium:
Batik Hand-dyed Cotton Fabric
Dimensions:
Artworks -
Height: 46.75"
Width: 117"
Description:
Orange dyed fabric with crossed sword pattern throughout. The swords are an Adinkra symbol for "Akofena" of state swords which represent authority, legitimacy, legality ro a heroic deed.
Historical Context:
The hand printed fabric Akinkra was developed by the Ashanti people of Ghana. This fabric was often worn at religious events by Ashanti royalty and is patterned with Ashanti symbols, each symbol holding a different meaning. The symbols are stamped using calabash gourds and a plant based black dye found in bark called Adinkra aduru. The symbols can be representations of history, proverbs, concepts, and more.
The swords seen on the fabric are Akofena, or state swords that represent courage, heroic deeds, and authority.