Akan Architecture

Akan Cultural Symbols Project

Akan architecture is not only elaborate in terms of function and building technology. It also presents, as a reflection of the people and their spirit of independence, a variety of forms and design principles that encode expressive messages which continue to astonish foreign observers. Various symbols are used as base relief or plinths, banisters, and walls in Akan architecture.

The fihankra (compound house) style of building consists of a central quadrangle which is enclosed on all four sides with rooms.

The multi-room rectangular building with an open courtyard found in Akan houses, as captured by the fihankra symbol, marks the Akan concept of private and public space. The Akan fihankra building used as a home demarcates between the fie (inside, private) and abonten (outside, public).

Fihankra - Compound House

It symbolizes protection, security and spirituality. In front of the house is placed a stump called the Nyame dua - God's altar which represent's God's presence and protection. When one enters the house, the open courtyard (adiwo in Twi; Fantse call it paado) represents the public space within the house. This open courtyard has multiple uses. It is usually surrounded by a verandah where guests may be received. A bigger group of guests will usually be received in the dampan. The dampan (literally, empty room) is semi-private and has multiple uses: from receiving guests, and holding court to laying the dead in state during funerals. Then, there are the private rooms: living room, bed rooms, bathrooms, etc. There is also the kitchen, which very often extends into the open courtyard. In a big Akan house, there is the women's quarters (mmaa mu) which will have its own open courtyard and a number of private rooms. The kitchen and the bathrooms will usually be in these quarters. In the Asantehene's Palace the women's quarters is called Hia or Hyia.

The concept of fihankra reinforces the idea of close family ties and unity.

The Akan house is not only well ventilated, it is resilient and can withstand the hazards of storms, rainfall and the tropical hot weather. This is encoded in the symbol mframadan - well ventilated or breezy house shown below.

Mframadan - Well ventilated House

Nyame Dua - God's Altar

Adinkra cloth symbol called Nyame dua   Tree stump called Nyame dua

Nyame dua (God's altar) is a tree stump that may be found in front of houses or in the open courtyard of the fihankra (compound house). The symbol signifies God's presence and God's protection. The tree stump may hold a pot to catch direct rain water considered as holy water for religious ceremonies.

The incorporation of symbols in Akan architecture was traditionally limited to public buildings such as the king's palace (ahemfie) and shrine building (abosom dan), and, in some cases, the homes of high ranking community leaders. In contemporary times the symbols are incorporated in both private and public buildings in order to emphasize Akan aesthetics as well as the social significance of the buildings.

Obaa ne oman - Woman is the Nation

From the maxim: Obaa ne oman.  Literal translation: Woman is the nation.

This symbol depicts the Akan belief that when a boy is born, an individual is born; but when a girl is born, a nation is born.

Different symbols are used as base relief or plinths and walls. They may be used to give a honeycomb effect or serve as screen walls providing openings for ventilation while at the same time serving as protection against visual intrusion.

In recent years, architects have utilized some of the symbols to resolve design problems associated with fenestration, balustrading, fencing and finishings in both private and public buildings. For example, the Children's Library Complex in Accra incorporates the symbol called mmabunu benyini (the young shall grow). The medical students hostel at the University of Science and Technology has a honeycomb wall that incorporates the yen yiedie (our well being) symbol. The Catholic Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra, the Emmanuel Methodist Church at Labadi, Accra, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church at Community One, Tema, and the walls at the front gate, as well as the columns of the Nkonnuafieso Temple of the Kumasi National Cultural Center are other examples of public buildings that have incorporated several of the Akan symbols.

A wall incorporating the stool (adwa) symbol

OSIADAN NYAME - GOD THE BUILDER

YEN YIEDEE - OUR WELL BEING

ANANTUO - CALF

From the proverb: Se anantuo kosene sere a, na yadee wo mu.

Literal translation: When the calf is bigger than the thigh, then there is a problem.

FIHANKRA - COMPOUND HOUSE

 Fihankra symbol depicts the Akan family house which is rectangular in shape and has a central courtyard. It is a symbol of protection, security and spirituality. The open courtyard within the house serves as the center of activities in the household.

The Akan home is shared by all members of the extended family. Therefore, the concept of fihankra reinforces the idea of close family ties and unity.

The Nkonnuafieso Temple at the National Cultural Center, Kumasi

The columns and walls of this building incorporate several symbols including biribi wo soro (there is something in the heavens)

ASENNUA - CROSS

Symbol of SUPREME SACRIFICE, REDEMPTION, and SELFLESSNESS

From the aphorism: Yesu bewuu wo asennua so begyee adasa nkwa.

Literal translation: Jesus died on the cross to save mankind.

FAN MILK BLOCK

 

An ice cream company, Fan Milk Ice Cream Company in Ghana has a company logo which is an architectural symbol. On the left at the top is a set of blocks with the fan milk logo and at the bottom is an ice cream vendor peddling his bicycle  around in the market place selling Fan Milk Ice Cream products.

A building column incorporating the biribi wo soro (there is something in the heavens) symbol.

Base of an old house

Wall decorations of an old house
at Ejisu-Besease, near Kumasi

A collage of adinkra symbols on a ceiling at the International Conference Center in Accra. Walls in some of the meeting rooms at this Center have paneling that incorporates of these symbols.