Meaning of symbols used in the Overtown Birth Justice Mural
The Denkyem symbol depicts a crocodile and signifies the proverb, 'the crocodile lives in the water, yet breathes the air'. The crocodile's cleverness and ability to adapt are seen as desirable qualities.
Gye Nyame indicates the recognition of the supremacy of God over all beings, and therefore is the one that is feared and revered by all. This is one of the many Adinkra symbols of West Africa, Ghana, and is used by the Akan people in varios decorations, clothing, and art work
Sankofa "Return & Take" Represents the importance of learning from the past to build the future.
Duafe "wooden comb" symbol of beauty and cleanliness; symbols of desirable feminine qualities. The meaning of this symbol is characterized slightly
Akoma symbolizes tolerance, patience, goodwill, faithfulness, fondness, and endurance.
Sankofa - A Twi word from the Akan Tribe of Ghana that loosely translates to, "go back and get it." Its literal translation comes from the Akan proverb, "se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri," meaning, "It is not taboo to go back for what you forgot (or left behind).
Love, Faithfulness & Harmony
The ankh or key of life is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol used in Egyptian art and writing to represent the word for "life" and, by extension, as a symbol of life itself.
