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Adinkra Symbols

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Object Details

Artist
Ira Blount
Date
1994
Medium
paper on acrylic painted canvas with glossy varnish
Dimensions
22 15/16 × 27 5/8 in. (58.2 × 70.2 cm)
Cite As
Gift of Ira Blount
Caption
This mixed-media canvas features brown paper cut-outs that resemble Adinkra symbols, perhaps a nod to local artist Ira Blount’s heritage. The symbols include ohene adwa (representing leadership), gye nyame (which means God’s supremacy), and nkyinkyim (depicting life’s twisting journey). Though originating in Africa, the symbols also feature in African American culture.
After moving to Washington, DC following World War II, Ira Blount mastered dozens of artisanal crafts. His love for crafting, learning, and community engagement would endure over the course of his long life and career.
Accession Number
2011.0004.0098
Type
wall hanging
See more items in
Anacostia Community Museum Collection
Data Source
Anacostia Community Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Record ID
acm_2011.0004.0098
Usage
Usage conditions apply
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/dl8706e0cbf-dedd-477f-95f9-ad55d028e697

Related Object Groups

  • Self-Taught Artists
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