The Crossed Crocodiles: A Meaningful Adinkra Symbol

Adinkra symbols hold an important place in the culture of the Akan peoples of West Africa, particularly in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Through simple and evocative forms, they convey values, teachings, and messages deeply rooted in tradition.

Among these symbols is that of the crossed crocodiles, a representation that is particularly interesting for its history and symbolism. These figures are called dindjé blafou in the Baoulé language (in Côte d’Ivoire) and dinkyem frangin in the Ashanti language (on the Ghanaian side).

They symbolize the principle of dualism.

What do the crossed crocodiles represent?

The motif of the crossed crocodiles, often associated with the Adinkra symbol Denkyemfunefu, represents two crocodiles sharing the same stomach while having distinct heads.

The stomach symbolizes the woman who gave birth, thus the mother and the matrilineage

Each of the members comes from the same stomach, but they keep their tails and their heads. Thus, each keeps their opinions and their way of seeing things in the world.

This image illustrates an essential idea: unity in diversity and interdependence. Even though each crocodile has its own head and its own view, they remain linked by the same reality. The symbol thus reminds us that individuals or communities can have different personalities, opinions, or interests while sharing a common destiny.

The famous proverb is as follows: " for what reason should we argue over the same catch, since what we consume or eat and which passes through our different gizzards falls into the same stomach "

The proverb associated with this symbol is generally translated as an idea close to: "The Siamese crocodiles have two heads, but only one stomach."

The message is particularly relevant today: coexistence implies recognizing differences while understanding the bonds that unite us.

This weight illustrates the freedom of thought, speech, attitude, and behavior.

A symbol that invites solidarity

Beyond its graphic representation, Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu thus evokes values such as cooperation, unity, solidarity, and interdependence.

True and complete solidarity will make the family rich. The contribution that each person brings ends up making the members independent.

We are brothers, there is no need to argue with each other about anything. We are fathers, it's useless to argue with us about anything. 

Same family, same clan!

Thus, to summarize, brothers should not confront each other and fight over a field when they are all working for the same family. It is therefore important to help each other instead 

A pendant to wear as a message

In the Adinkra tradition, symbols are not merely decorative motifs. They can accompany clothing, objects, or jewelry to carry a message and express a value that the wearer wishes to identify with.

This is what gives the jewelry inspired by this symbol a special dimension: it becomes both an aesthetic object and a discreet reminder of a philosophy.

The symbol of the crossed crocodiles lends itself naturally to the creation of jewelry. Worn as a pendant, it can evoke the bond that unites people, the strength of the collective, and the importance of building together despite our differences.

For those who wish to discover or wear this symbol, the pendant representing the crossed crocodiles is available from Perles Rares Djonou.

Through this piece of jewelry, the Adinkra motif leaves the traditional medium to become an object that can be worn daily, while retaining the symbolic richness associated with it.

Wearing a symbol, telling a story

Jewelry inspired by Adinkra symbols offers an original way to bring culture, history, aesthetics, and transmission into dialogue. Choosing such a pendant also means taking an interest in the meaning of the motif and the story it carries.

The two-headed crocodile thus reminds us of a simple and universal idea: we can be different while being deeply connected to one another.

The crossed crocodiles pendant from Perles Rares Djonou fits into this approach by combining the beauty of an ancestral symbol with the possibility of wearing its message daily.

Would you like to acquire this symbol? Click here.