SYMBOLS

Alexis Powers , Darian Flammia, Cristen McKenzie

 WHAT ARE SYMBOLS?

• A mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object,

function, or process, e.g., the letter or letters standing for a chemical element
or a character in musical notation.
• “The alphabet of human thought”
 SYMBOLS IN EVERYDAY LIFE

• Traffic Signs
• Recycling symbols
• Caution/Warning symbols
• Logos
• Emojis
 ADINKRA SYMBOLS

• These are symbols in West African culture that are frequently used on fabrics
and pottery.
• Each symbol has a specific meaning.
• Clothing with these symbols originally were worn for funerals and important
ceremonies.
 ADINKRA CLOTH

• Adinkra cloths were traditionally only worn by royalty and spiritual leaders for
funerals and other very special occasions.
• In the past they were hand printed on undyed, red, dark brown or black hand-
woven cotton fabric depending on the occasion
• Nowadays they are frequently mass-produced on brighter colored fabrics.
• Done in 5-8 centimeter squares
 NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!

• Create a symbol that is unique to you!

• You must include one hidden (not easily recognizable to the eye) aspect to
your symbol.
• KEEP IT SIMPLE (make sure it is something you can recreate)
• Sketch out multiple designs in your sketchbook.
• You will pick three of your favorite symbols that come together to create a
story.

• GO, DRAW, CREATE!!!

 BIBILIOGRAPHY

• “A Symbol Primer .” Bauhaus Typography,

www.designhistory.org/Symbols_pages/symbols.html.
• Boddy-Evans, Alistair. “Where Did Adinkra Symbols Come From?” Thoughtco.,
Dotdash, www.thoughtco.com/origin-and-meaning-of-adinkra-symbols-
4058700.