Symbols of Hope
Africa Rising - African Symbols
To those who are proud being African, this finely designed and thought-provoking new range of jewellery will bring pleasure.
No longer the Dark Continent, Africa is rising as a world influence. Amongst other treasures, traditions and icons unique to Africa and South Africa are being revealed
This range orbits about those icons and traditions.
We have used existing icons and,excitingly, visualized and made graphic, ideas that have been in the lives of communities for many years.
From these ideas and visualizations we have created pieces of jewellery that reflect our quite but deep pride in being African and South African. This is my favourite and is from Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana.
ODO NYERA FIE KWAN
LOVE DOES NOT GET LOST ON ITS WAY HOME.
Adrinka motif – Ashanti - Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana
The meaning of the symbol: “Love lights its own path; it never gets lost on its way home.” Love, in its broad sense, is part of the fabric of positive
human conduct. It is that extraordinary quality demonstrated by people like Mother Theresa and Nelson Mandela. This is a symbol of love, devotion and faithfulness.
All these are essential elements of a loving union.
African Wedding ring
These African symbols are chosen for their significance in African Tradition. The african wedding ring is in silver, but available in gold. In the smaller ring sizes a symbols is lost.
They are motifs found on the jewelry.co.za web site.
These African symbols are used in the African Rising Range For more great African Jewellery we have a site with many example of African Traditions and African wedding rings or for a full range of african jewellery have a look here.
Clay Pot and Fire
The clay pot and fire symbol represents food and warmth and the comforts of home. These are shared equally by all. The symbol reminds us of other things like emotion, bad times and good times that must also be shared in life. The upside-down pot shows generosity in giving and sharing. Chores and
unhappiness become easier when shared. Helping another bear misfortune is also part of sharing.
Joy also. Like love, joy does not get smaller when it is shared. It expands. Creating a safe and comfortable place and sharing it with happiness is one of the reasons why people unite.
DRUM
The drum is a potent symbol for communication. The need to be understood by others is great and most of us try quite hard to be sure that everybody
understands what we mean or what we want. This symbol reminds us that we need to try equally hard to understand what other people mean or what they want.
Successful communication leads to greater understanding, which leads to a lessening of tensions and a reduction of
conflict. The bold sound of the drum, hiding no secrets, reminds us that we are aiming to be a transparent nation.
Successful communication means talking with sensitivity to the other and also actually listening to what is said by that other. Sympathetic understanding of a partner’s ideas and emotions contributes importantly to a good relationship.
ODO NYERA FIE KWAN
LOVE DOES NOT GET LOST ON ITS WAY HOME.
Adrinka motif – Ashanti - Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana
The meaning of the symbol: “Love lights its own path; it never gets lost on its way home.”
Love, in its broad sense, is part of the fabric of positive
human conduct. It is that extraordinary quality demonstrated by people like Mother Theresa and Nelson Mandela. This is a symbol of love, devotion and faithfulness.
All these are essential elements of a loving union.
BOMA AND OX HORNS
Shaka’s battle formation included positioning his warriors in the form of ox horns. These would then move inwards, enclosing the enemy. This required planning,
responsibility and trust All had to play their parts and also had to depend on others.
The thorny boma represents protection and security. Also, it talks of our duty to protect the vulnerable. These are all aspect of caring and successful living. The focus of these symbols is not on attack, but rather on the qualities of vigilance,
responsibility, trust, protection and security that are all essential to a commitment to another.
OSRAM NE NSROMMA - THE MOON AND THE STARS
Adrinka motif – Ashanti - Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana
The meaning of the symbol: “Kyekye, the North Pole star, has a deep love for marriage. She is always in the sky waiting for the return of the moon, her husband”.
This is a symbol of the feminine essence of life. It is an
appropriate symbol in our society that is striving for gender
balances. The symbol focuses on qualities of love, harmony and fondness. These are important aspects of a relationship that need to be shown by both partners.
GYE NYAME - EXCEPT GOD
Adrinka motif – Ashanti - Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana
The meaning of the symbol: “Creation dates back to time Immemorial; no one lives who saw its
beginning and no one will live to see its end - except God.”
The use of the symbol is widespread in West Africa. It applies to all beliefs in which God, in many different concepts, is paramount. Individuals and societies seem to have a need for God. This aptly symbolises that need. Gye Nyame suggests infinity. This is a wonderful thought when linked to love and one that applies to many relationships.
SHIELD AND SPEARS
This is a strong symbol relating to protection. The hide shield and wooden shafted spear are traditional and have been well publicised in other countries.
The shield and spears symbol represent protection against forces that are harmful or dangerous
The in-turned spears show that while aggression will not be flaunted; there is power if needed.
In the context of a relationship, it refers to protecting its unity, also the family and the home. It denotes a preparedness to fight for your partner and your values.
MIELIE
Anything that is of value and that is growing needs to be nurtured. This is obvious with things like crops or flowers but less obvious with things like plans, ideals or ambitions, which also grow and develop. Many aspects of society, like social conscience for example, are slow to develop and need to be nurtured. Such nurturing requires patience, care, attention and understanding. Certain aspects of life, like good relationships and a good
marriage require a considerable amount of sustained nurturing if they are to remain vital and satisfying. The mielie symbol represents this need for nurturing.
African wedding band with symbols of hope in sterling silver. "Love does not get lost on it's way home" - how beautiful is that? african symbols, african ring, symbols of hope, ring from africa, african wedding ring,