Gold Weights as Proverbs
Gold weights often represent proverbs and other genres from the extensive
Akan oral literature. In this manner of usage, quite apart from their
utilitarian and manifest purpose of being used to measure the value of
gold dust, gold weights are meant to serve as powerful expressive medium
for communicating Akan values, beliefs, and proper social relations and
behavior.
The Akan often elaborate their spoken words with both visual and poetic dimensions by using context-related proverbs or clever metaphors to ennoble their messages. This practice not only demonstrates a speaker's wisdom, cultivation, and eloquence in the use of his language, but also reveals his understanding of human nature and his ability to assess the underlying subtleties of specific situations.
Akoko nan tia ne ba so a, onku no
Mpaboa - Sandals
The metaphorical uses of gold weights take their particular significance
from Akan world view that is premised on humanism - concern for human well-being
vis-à-vis legal and social justice, equality, equitable
distribution of goods, and human rights. The expression associated
with mpaboa (sandals) is: Wonni mpaboa a,
pè bi, wonni atuduro a, pè bi na me ne wo wò bi ka wò seramu
-- If you do not have sandals, find some, if
you do not have gun powder, find some for a score to settle with you on
the battle grounds. The symbol is used metaphorically in
this statement to express the declaration of war.
Owuo Atwedee - Death's Ladder
Owuo awedee eda ho ma obiara - Death's ladder is there for everyone to climb.
Death is no respecter of anyone, big or small, young or old. The mighty and the low shall all die.
Samples of Akan Gold Weights and Their Related Proverbs
SANKOFA -
GO BACK
AND RETRIEVE
Symbol of WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE,and the PEOPLE'S HERITAGE
From the aphorism: Se wo were fi na wosankofa a, yenkyi.
Literal translation: There is nothing wrong with learning from hindsight.
The word SANKOFA
is derived from the words SAN (return), KO
(go), FA (look, seek and take). This symbolizes
the Akan's quest for knowledge with the implication that the quest is
based on critical examination, and intelligent and patient investigation.
The symbol is based on a mythical bird that flies forwards with its head
turned backwards. This reflects the Akan belief that the past serves as a
guide for planning the future, or the wisdom in learning from the past in
building the future. The Akan believe that there must be movement with
times but as the forward march proceeds, the gems must be picked from
behind and carried forward on the march. In the Akan military system, this
symbol signified the rearguard, the section on which the survival of the
society and the defense of its heritage depended.
AKYEM - SHIELD
Symbol of BRAVERY AND HEROIC DEEDS, GLORIOUS ACCOMPLISHMENT, PERMANENCE OF DEEDS OF DISTINCTION, and DURABILITY
From the proverb: Akyem tete a, eka ne mmeramu.
Literal translation: When
a shield wears out, the framework still remains.
The good deeds of people live after them.
This symbolizes bravery as well as the durability and the enduring nature
of the distinguished deeds of a great person.
APREMOO - CANON
Symbol of RESISTANCE AGAINST FOREIGN DOMINATION, SUPERIOR MILITARY STRATEGY
This motif represents the superior military strategy with which Akan nations such as the Asante and Akwamu defeated the Europeans who had superior arms.
AKOWUA NTOA
AKOWUA'S GUN CARTRIDGE
Symbol of RESOURCEFULNESS,
PREPAREDNESS,and INGENUITY
From the proverb: Atuduro asa a, nnye Akowua ntoa mu a.
Literal translation: The gun catridge-belt of Akowua has never been known to lack bullets.
A resourceful and well prepared person is never found wanting.
AKOKO NAN TIA NE
BA SO A -
WHEN THE HEN STEPS ON HER CHICK'S FEET
Symbol of MOTHERLINESS, PARENTAL CARE, PARENTAL DISCIPLINE, and TENDERNESS
From the proverbs: Akoko baatan tia ne ba so a, onku no. Also, Akoko baatan na onim dea ne mma bedi.
Literal translation: When the hen steps on the feet of her chicken, she does not mean to kill them.That is, parental admonition is not intended to harm the child, but to correct the child.
Also, The good mother knows what her children will eat. A good mother does not only feed her children food alone, she also feeds them with love, affection, warmth, tenderness and care.
AKODAA BO NWA -
THE CHILD BREAKS THE SNAIL
From the proverb: Akodaa bo nwa ommo akyekyedee.
Literal translation: The child is capable of splitting open the snail, not the tortoise. One must be given the task within his/her ability. Or, one should recognize one's limitations before embarking any task.
NANKA BOBONYA
-
THE PATIENT PUFF ADDER
Symbol of PATIENCE, TACTFULNESS, DIPLOMACY, and STRATEGIC PLANNING
From the proverb: Nanka bobonya oda asase so anya onwam.
Literal translation: The puff adder that cannot fly has caught the hornbill that flies.
HURIYE SI
AKYEKYEDEE AKYI -
THE
TSETSE-FLY ON TORTOISE'S BACK
From the proverb: Huriye si akyekyedee akyi a, osi ho kwa.
Literal translation: The tsetse-fly is perched on the tortoise's back in vain. The fly is engaged in a futile effort in trying to suck blood through the hard shell of the tortoise.
ANOMAA NITEFOO -
THE CLEVER BIRD
From the proverb: Anomaa nitefoo, afidie yi no a, eyi no ntentennoa.
Literal translation: The clever bird is easily trapped in the leaves at the edges. The one who claims to be smart is easily outsmarted by a simple trap.
NEA NE EPA DA WO -
HE WHOSE HANDCUFF YOU WEAR
NEA NE EPA DA WO - HE WHOSE HANDCUFF YOU WEAR
Symbol of SERVITUDE, JUSTICE, LAW, ORDER, CONTROL
From the aphorism: Onii a ne epa da wo no, n'akoa ne wo. Or, Se woko kurom na se ho odekuro mantam dedua mu a, yemmusa se kuro mu ho ye.
Literal translation: You are the subject of he whose handcuffs you wear. Or, When you go to a town and you see the chief of the town is in handcuffs, you do not ask whether everything is alright in that town.