Skip to content
$10 OFF AND FREE SHIPPING $50+ ORDERS | USE CODE SPRING10
$10 OFF AND FREE SHIPPING $50+ ORDERS | USE CODE SPRING10

Your Basket (0)

View basket

Your basket is empty

Continue shopping
Creative Pumpkin Carving Ideas Using Ghanaian Adinkra Symbols

Creative Pumpkin Carving Ideas Using Ghanaian Adinkra Symbols

This fall, add a bit of African culture to your pumpkin carving by replacing your regular toothy grins with beautiful adinkra symbols from Ghana.

Adinkra symbols can be found throughout the West African country of Ghana. Part of the visual language of the Akan people, the symbols embody poetic messages and proverbs. They reflect the philosophy, religious beliefs, social values and culture of the Akan people. Traditionally, the symbols were printed on cloths and used to convey messages to the deceased during mourning.

Today, adinkra symbols can be found everywhere. The symbols appear on everything from pottery to fabrics to hats and company logos (Ten Thousand Villages offers soaps stamped with the adinkra double heart, which symbolizes earth’s bounty and sustenance of life). Each symbol has a unique history and cultural significance.

Pumpkin Carving and Decorating Ideas with Adinkra Symbols

Adinkra Pumpkin Carving Designs Adinkra Pumpkin Carving Designs

Name: Double Hearts – or – The Earth Has Weight

Meaning: Providence, Nature, Sustainability

Adinkra Pumpkin Carving Designs Adinkra Pumpkin Carving Designs

Name: Spider’s Web

Meaning: Wisdom, Creativity, Ingenuity, Complexities of Life

Adinkra Pumpkin Carving Designs Adinkra Pumpkin Carving Designs

Name: Cola Nuts

Meaning: Abundance, Power, Creative Excellence, Togetherness, Goodwill

Adinkra Pumpkin Carving Designs Adinkra Pumpkin Carving Designs

Name: Real Design

Meaning: Excellence, Authenticity, Genuineness


And many more adinkra designs for inspiration…

Adinkra designs

Helpful Tips

– If you would rather not freehand the designs, print the symbols or create stencils.

– Use tempera paint for more intricate symbols and a small sponge brush to fill in the designs.

– Markers can be an easy way to add color.

– And always use caution with cutting tools!


Calabash Gourd Adinkra Stamps

Adinkra Calabash Stamps

These adinkra stamps are created using calabash gourds in Ghana. The rounded contour of the calabash allows artisans to gradually apply designs. These stamps are used as block textile stamps to replicate adinkra patterns over a wide variety of materials. Gourds are also used by artisans to create jewelry in Peru and many, many more inventive gourd items around the world.

Previous article Foolproof Gift Ideas for the Person Who Has You Stumped

Leave a comment

Comments must be approved before appearing

* Required fields