Akoben Adinkra Symbol – War Horn Ghana Adinkra Stamping Block

Akoben – Adinkra Stamping Block (War Horn) – Ghana Adinkra Symbol

The Akoben symbol represents the battle‑cry a clarion call to action and vigilance. Authentically hand‑carved in Ghana from calabash, this Adinkra stamping block brings the spirit of the War Horn to your creative works.

• Size of stamp including handle: 3 1/8″ (80 mm)
• Actual stamping motif: 3″ × 1 5/8″ (75 × 43 mm)

The sound of Akoben is the battle cry symbolizing readiness, alertness, and rallying troops for duty. In Akan tradition, it is associated with war, vigilance, and leadership. While there’s no proverb directly for Akoben, it invokes the same urgency as Akan sayings like “A den no hyɛ Akokoben mu” – “Make the sound of the horn to rouse the people”.

Craftsmanship & Cultural Heritage

Each stamp is lovingly carved from the bottom of a gourd (calabash), with a handle on the back made of cane or wooden pegs, wrapped in cloth for comfort. The surface is gently curved, allowing artists to rock it in natural dye (made locally from the bark of the “badie” tree) for smooth, even stamping.

History & Significance of Adinkra

Adinkra stamps originate in Ntonso, Ghana, used to decorate cloths traditionally worn by royalty, chiefs, and priests during funerals and ceremonial events. According to legend, Nana Kofi Adinkra, king of Gyaman (now Ivory Coast), was defeated and brought to Kumasi by Asantahene Bonsu‑Panyin. His mourning was expressed through patterned cloth thus inspiring the Adinkra tradition.

Today, these symbolic cloths are worn by anyone honoring important occasions, celebrations, and cultural identity.

Material & Construction

The stamp is carved from a calabash gourd base. A cane or wooden peg handle is attached to the back and then covered with a cloth wrap for ergonomic grip. The curved surface design allows dye to be applied with a rocking motion, making stamping precise and fluid.

Authentic Adinkra stamping blocks like this Ghana Adinkra symbol embody centuries of Akan artistry and cultural memory.

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