Signed Original West African Adinkra Symbol Painting, "Symbolism I"

Coming to life in a myriad of colors, West African adinkra symbols are commonly used as visual clues to convey collective wisdom. Artist Isshaq Ismail discovers evidence of Ghanaian identity in them.

Depicting a star resting in the embrace of the crescent moon, osram ne nsoromma stands for love, faithfulness and harmony, while the ornate and lacy odo nyera fie kwan means "love never loses its way home" and is a symbol of the power of love.

Fawohodie represents independence, freedom and emancipation. Bi-nnka-bi admonishes us by saying that no one should bite the other, and is thus a symbol of peace and harmony. Represented by two pairs of watchful eyes, mate masie means "what I hear, I keep" and symbolizes wisdom, knowledge and prudence. Finally, adinkrahene, the chief of adinkra symbols communicates greatness, charisma and leadership.

"Our identities are like patterns," Isshaq Ismail says. "They come together as one when we embrace them," the Ghanaian artist affirms.