There is something about this word that appeals to me–sounds like a “hurrah” with zing. What it actually means, however, is “farewell,” and it refers to a hand-dyed, stamped, and woven cloth made in Ntonso, Ghana, that is traditionally worn to funerals. The name “adinkra”comes from a legendary king who wore luxurious patterned fabrics.
A year ago in the library, students, staff, and faculty stamped an adinkra cloth, led by Professor Rowen Schussheim-Anderson who learned the traditional adinkra-making techniques in Ghana Term 2006. In celebration of Black History Month, the Library recently added this large Adinkra cloth to its collection of artwork. You can find the permanent installation on the north side of 4th floor.
