During 2016 Bead Hunt Funky Frog made a big order from the Kokofrom Cooperative outside Kumasi. The process these metal smiths are using is the same as their ancestors... back then it was gold now it is any metal they can get their hands on!! If you would like to see the intricate process check out the
blog here ...
While there we browsed and some fun beads and pendants already made that we found beautiful, caught our eye. This Pendant is part of that batch.
It is an oval 2" x 1 3/4" with an embossed Adinkra Symbol, the Siamese Crocodiles, a symbol of Unity.
Wikipedia says this about Adinkra Symbols:
'Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the Ashanti, that represent concepts or aphorisms. Adinkra are used extensively in fabrics, pottery, logos and advertising. They are incorporated into walls and other architectural features. Fabric adinkra are often made by woodcut sign writing as well as screen printing. Adinkra symbols appear on some traditional Akan goldweights. The symbols are also carved on stools for domestic and ritual use. Tourism has led to new departures in the use of the symbols in such items as T-shirts and jewelry.
The symbols have a decorative function but also represent objects that encapsulate evocative messages that convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life or the environment. There are many different symbols with distinct meanings, often linked with proverbs. '
Unity Pendant in two designs. One is on an oval and the other is a relief ( you can either use the holes sideways or up +down with a dangle). The oval is 60 mm. The relief is 55 mm from each hole. "Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu is a Ghanaian symbol. The literal translation of Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu is "Siamese crocodiles." The symbol shows two conjoined crocodiles, which symbolizes democracy and cooperation. While normally being independent creatures, the crocodiles are forced to work together and unite in order to survive. The symbol also represents unity among different religions and cultural tolerance. " quote from internet
During 2016 Bead Hunt Funky Frog made a big order from the Kokofrom Cooperative outside Kumasi. The process these metal smiths are using is the same as their ancestors... back then it was gold now it is any metal they can get their hands on!! If you would like to see the intricate process check out the blog here ... While there we browsed and some fun beads and pendants already made that we found beautiful, caught our eye. This Pendant is part of that batch. It is an oval 2" x 1 3/4" with an embossed Adinkra Symbol, the Siamese Crocodiles, a symbol of Unity. Wikipedia says this about Adinkra Symbols: 'Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the Ashanti, that represent concepts or aphorisms. Adinkra are used extensively in fabrics, pottery, logos and advertising. They are incorporated into walls and other architectural features. Fabric adinkra are often made by woodcut sign writing as well as screen printing. Adinkra symbols appear on some traditional Akan goldweights. The symbols are also carved on stools for domestic and ritual use. Tourism has led to new departures in the use of the symbols in such items as T-shirts and jewelry. The symbols have a decorative function but also represent objects that encapsulate evocative messages that convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life or the environment. There are many different symbols with distinct meanings, often linked with proverbs. '