Akan Furniture and Door Symbols

The rich meanings of the Akan symbols are to be found in the furniture made of wood in such forms as beds, boxes, stools, throne chairs, and cabinets. Two types of throne chairs - asipim and konkromfi - are studded with gold or silver nails and the high-backs have various symbols worked into them. The backs have finials that encode some symbols.

The top rest of the Chair of State. The five-sided figure at the center of the star is called amanum.

The Chair of State

The Chair of State (pictured to the left), designed by Kofi Antubam, is in the form of asipim. It incorporates several symbols. The high-back is topped with a black star guarded by two eagles on two sides. The black star - soromabire symbolizes the supremacy of the nation-state over all the component states making up the nation state of Ghana. The five-sided symbol within the star is called amanum and symbolizes old age and dignity. It is used here to assert the view that as a nation-state Ghana may be young, but as a people, Ghanaians hail from time immemorial. The amanunm also represents the five territories that came together to form the new nation-state, Ghana. The circle - puru within the amanum represents sanctity and the presence of God in society. Below the star in the main section of the back is a symbol of three concentric circles called adinkrahene (representing sovereignty). Within the adinkrahene is the kerapa (or mmusuyidee) symbol that represents sanctity and good fortune.

The rectangular hand rests incorporate the mbensu (manliness) symbol and bear on the sides a frieze of zigzag symbol called owo akoforo adobe which represents the exercise of wisdom, tactfulness and prudence. The side stands or the legs of the Chair have the symbol adom - grace. The foot rest bears the fihankra (compound house, perfect home, solidarity, and home of protection). The Chair was carved out of white wood, and thus associating the ruler with purity, sanctity and guiltlessness. The Chair is covered with gold leaf to symbolize the life and sovereignty of the state.

The back-rest of the Governor-General's seat

Declining chair with the Gye Nyame symbol

The top back of Akonkromfi chair

Doors

Doors made of wood incorporate various symbols. For example, the double door to the Chamber of the Old Parliament House in Accra was designed by Kofi Antubam to incorporate several symbols. One symbol, afenata - double-blade sword, represents interstate peace.

Afenata - double-blade sword

This design is to be found on the door to the Chamber of the Old Parliament House, Accra

Gye Nyame - Except God

This door was found in a private home in Accra

The following are pictures of other symbols to be found on the door o the Chamber of the Old parliament House, Accra.