Duafe

Duafe

The meaning of this symbol is characterized slightly differently in “The Adinkra Dictionary” and “The Values of Adinkra Symbols”; the former emphasizes more abstract qualities of feminine goodness, love and care, while the latter has a more literal interpretation, looking one’s best and good hygiene. In any case, the duafe was a prized possession of the Akan woman of Ghana, used to comb and plait her hair.  This  ”wooden comb” was used by women to lock their hair (a quite similar version exists in Polynesian culture as well), and symbolizes femininity and beauty. This Adinkra symbol is also said to be symbolic of goodness, love, and care. It recognizes a special energy women possess.

Adinkra Symbols

Origin and Meaning

Adinkra is a cotton cloth produced in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire which has traditional Akan symbols stamped upon it. The Adinkra symbols represent popular proverbs and maxims, record historical events, express particular attitudes or behavior related to depicted figures. It is one of several traditional cloths produced in the region – the other well known cloths being kente and adanudo.