Book Review — Adinkra Wisdom by Rosemond Sarpong Owens
The book “Adinkra Wisdom from Our African Ancestors” by Rosemond Sarpong Owens presents an illuminating and personal journey into the heart of Ghana’s Akan heritage, through the lens of the country’s iconic Adinkra symbols.
Published in 2024, the richly illustrated book is beyond a catalogue of symbols. It is a reverent homage to ancestral knowledge, cultural identity, and intergenerational wisdom. Owens, affectionately known as “The Lion’s Historian,” draws from her roots as the granddaughter of Nana Akyeampong Akwasi II, an Akan chief.
Her upbringing, laced with stories, symbolism, and spirituality, becomes the thread that ties each page together. The result is a book that is both educational and deeply personal. The author’s unique voice, paired with accessible storytelling and vivid cultural context, makes it appealing to readers of African descent and beyond.
The book explores 40 Adinkra symbols grouped thematically into values like strength, leadership, spirituality, love, wisdom, and justice. Each symbol is accompanied by pronunciation guides, visual depictions, historical context, and moral insights.
Whether it is Gye Nyame representing God’s omnipotence, Sankofa urging us to “go back and fetch it,” or Duafe celebrating self-care and feminine strength, Owens treats each entry as both an emblem and a lesson. She emphasizes the importance of cultural literacy and reclaiming symbols that are often aesthetically appreciated but spiritually misunderstood.
The book also does not shy away from historical context. Owens details the evolution of Adinkra symbols from sacred royal communication to their current global usage.
She pays tribute to matrilineal Akan traditions, delves into Ghana’s religious transformations from pre-colonial spirituality to missionary-led Christianity, and reflects on her own diaspora experience through powerful stories, including the role of her Kente scarf as a symbol of strength and identity.
Published by Wise Ink in partnership with Lion’s Historian Press, the book is visually sensational; with illustrations by Nissi Asante and layout by Nassim Sarkar. “Each page feels like a celebration of heritage and a call to intentional cultural engagement,” said Owens.
“Whether you are a student of African history, a member of the diaspora, or simply someone seeking deeper understanding of West African philosophies, Adinkra Wisdom from Our African Ancestors is a must-read. It succeeds in what it sets out to do — reconnect, educate, and empower,” she emphasized.
As H.E. Alima Mahama, Ghana’s ambassador to the U.S., notes in the foreword: “Through this book, people can gain a deeper understanding of Ghanaian culture through the Adinkra symbols.”
As the book prepares for its official release, Adinkra Wisdom from Our African Ancestors is currently live on Kickstarter. Supporters who want early access to the book, along with exclusive rewards, signed copies, cultural gifts, and other limited-edition offerings, are encouraged to back the campaign.
“This is a unique opportunity to secure a copy before the public release while also supporting a project that preserves and celebrates African heritage through storytelling and symbolism,” urged Owens. Check out or back the book’s Kickstarter project here: https://kck.st/4mP07gn.
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
