Peace symbolism and iconography: The case of the symbols of Ghana National Peace Council (original) (raw)

Peace symbolism and iconography: The case of the symbols of Ghana National Peace Council.

Charles Ohene-Amoh
Department of Peace Studies, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

Abstract

The central issues of this paper are the semantic content and conceptual interpretation of the notions of symbol and sign in the practise of peace by the Ghana National Peace Council (NPC). Both primary and secondary data were used to gather data for this study. The mandate of the NPC is to facilitate mechanisms for conflict prevention, management, and resolution and to build sustainable peace in Ghana. The use of the Ese ne Tekrema and the dove with the olive branch are peace symbols that serve to remind Ghanaians of their common obligation to look out for the welfare of one another and live in peace. The desires for justice and peace are visually represented through these peace symbols. They give the NPC something to unite behind, hold onto, and work for.

Introduction

Different forms and levels of the experience of and relationship to reality, both sacred and profane, are linked with the concepts of symbol, sign, and picture. Language is typically required for communication, information transmission, and emotional and thought expression. Since human existence is full of both natural and manufactured signs, each of which has a distinct meaning depending on how it is interpreted, these many expressions call for the use of various signs, icons, and symbols. The literary technique of using objects, characters, or events to express ideas that are more abstract than their literal meanings is known as symbolism (Monyooe, 2015). The study of semiotics is focused on the representation of signs, like the language, image, and object. In visual semiotics, the visual signs have more direct meaning than in language.

The purpose of a symbol is to represent reality or truth and to disclose it gradually or instantly (Ivanov & Bird, 2017). It is thought that the symbol’s connection to reality is both indirect and remote and relatively direct and intimate. Both the reality it depicts, and the symbol are sometimes considered to be pure reflections of one another (Cohn, 2017). The depiction of the experience of and relationship to reality as a “sign” or “picture” has either a denotative or a wholly representational meaning.

The use of symbols in writing is crucial because it enables authors to convey many interpretations of the same object. Additionally, literary symbolism lends characters and concepts universality instantly (Ivanov & Bird, 2017). It piques the reader’s interest in finding out more about the author’s viewpoints.

Concepts of symbolization

In the historical development and present use of the concepts of symbolization, signs, and iconography, a variety of categories and relationships must necessarily be differentiated. Religious symbols are used to convey ideas about how mankind interacts with the holy or sacred, for instance, the cross in Christianity and with the social and material worlds like the dharmachakra, or wheel of the law, of Buddhism (Lenoski, 2017).

In the 19th and 20th centuries, other nonreligious sorts of symbols gained greater relevance, particularly those that dealt with how people relate to and conceptualise the material world. Modern science and technology place a growing emphasis on logical, scientific-technical symbols. They serve partly to codify and

partly to indicate, abbreviate, and make intelligible the various mathematical symbols such as: ==, equality; ≡\equiv, identity; ∼\sim, similarity; 1 , parallel; or <<, less than. Physics uses ∼\sim to mean alternating current, and in biology, 3\sqrt{3} means male and 3\sqrt[3]{ } means female (Mohan, 2019). This kind of “secularised” emblem has some religious symbolism in its roots.

By connecting a specific meaning to a specific sign, it works similarly to how religious symbols do. There has been evidence of the rationalisation of myth, symbolism, and symbolical systems at least since the Renaissance between the 14th 14^{\text {th }} and 17th 17^{\text {th }} centuries.

Importance of symbols and iconography

In poetry, symbolism can be employed to convey a variety of themes in a single verse (Mohan, 2019). To illustrate how a little girl changes as she gets older, for instance, one may use imagery. The developing child is innocent and uninhibited, whereas the mature lady is passionate and determined. Symbolism is used in music to evoke feelings in listeners.

Although musical notes are only simple sounds, depending on how they are put together, listeners might associate them with a variety of concepts. For instance, most listeners will find a tune with sharp notes unpleasant, whereas those who hear it with flat notes will find it enjoyable. As you can see, symbolism is crucial for artists’ freedom of expression. Without it, they would be unable to make an impact on their readers or listeners beyond merely recounting what they see or hear.

Symbolism offers many advantages, such as enabling authors to add multiple levels of meaning to their works, making themes and characters more all-encompassing, and grabbing readers’ attention. Because both lions and red roses are well-known symbols for love and strength, respectively, employing symbolism can be as straightforward as using a red rose to signify love or as complex as using a lion to represent courage (Monyooe, 2015).

The major impact of symbolism in literature is to expand our comprehension of both the literary work and the outside world. For instance, when reading Shakespeare, we grow to understand each character through their deeds, making the numerous symbols even more significant than simply identifying the good men and evil ones. As another illustration, we can observe how the symbolism employed by the author to depict various views inside society at that point in history in George Orwell’s novel 1984 (Zolberg, 1990).

Additionally, symbolism enables writers to communicate in ways that are not possible with mere words. If a writer could just say what bravery is, they could not properly depict what bravery is. Since words cannot adequately express it, they would need to employ something or someone else. This allows writers to express thoughts and emotions that might otherwise go unheard.

Methodology

Two distinct sources provided the data that was used in this investigation. These sources are both primary and secondary. As a native speaker of the Akan language, the researchers’ intuitions, formal and informal conversations with Akan language experts, and observations of some senior Akan community members serve as the key sources. Most of the material acquired has been verified as accurate. The primary source also included interviews with five staff members of the Ghana National Peace Council for some information on the symbols the institution uses. The secondary sources included library materials from the Departments of Ghanaian Languages, University of Education, Winneba (UEW). Content analysis was used to analyse the data. In this the author categorize or “code” words, themes, and concepts within the texts and then analyze the results.

The International 12 Symbols of Peace

Peace is a concept that holds immense value and significance in our world (Amoh, 2023). Throughout history, various symbols have emerged to represent this cherished

ideal, each carrying its own unique message and meaning. There are twelve key symbols of peace used on the international scene. They are usually:

• Doves, which are pure, white, humble, and the universal symbol of peace, humanity, and love.
• The V sign, victory sign, or simply peace sign is one of the most popular symbols for peace in the world.
• The banner of peace is a symbol of the Roerich Pact, the first international treaty dedicated to the protection of artistic and scientific institutions and historical monuments.
• The olive branch, which has been used as a symbol of peace in Western civilization since at least the 5th century BC in Greece.
• A broken rifle, a white poppy, or a rose.

Figure 1: The 12 International Peace Symbols

Ghana National Peace Council

An Act of Parliament establishes the National Peace Council: The National Peace Council Act 2011, Act 818. It enjoins the institution to facilitate and develop mechanisms for conflict prevention, management, resolution and to build sustainable peace in the country.

It is charged with the long-term goal of building a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful society for all. To achieve its objective of promoting a culture of peace in the country, the NPC works in tandem with other key stakeholders in the discharge of its duties.

It is important to stress that the NPC does not wield persecutory powers to arrest and jail people who flout the law of the land. The council’s intervention on issues of

national concern does not usurp the functions of democratic state institutions mandated to handle such matters.

Apart from the Coat of Arms of Ghana, which is used by all government organisations, the NPC has two special symbols that are used to identify the institution. The Adinkra symbol and the dove with the olive branch in its beak.

The History of Adinkra Symbols

The Akan people (of what is now Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire) had developed significant skills in weaving by the sixteenth century, with Nsoko (present-day Begho) being an important weaving center. Adinkra, which was originally created by the Gyaaman clans of the Brong region, was exclusively used for significant ceremonies like funerals and was the sole property of monarchs and spiritual leaders. Adinkra signifies farewell (Poirier, & Eglash, 2014).

The Gyaaman monarch was assassinated during a military war at the beginning of the nineteenth century that was brought on by the Gyaaman’s attempt to duplicate the golden stool-the national emblem of the Asante nation-of the nearby Asante. His adinkra robe was taken by Nana Osei Bonsu-Panyin, the Asante Hene (Asante King), as a trophy (Agbo, 2011). With the robe came the knowledge of adinkra aduru (the special ink used in the printing process) and the process of stamping the designs onto cotton cloth.

The Asante added their own ideologies, myths, and culture to the adinkra symbolism as it evolved over time (Agbo, 2011). Additionally utilised on pottery, metalwork (particularly abosodee), and now incorporated into contemporary commercial designs (where their associated meanings provide the object significant value), Adinkra symbols were also used on sculpture and architecture (Poirier, & Eglash, 2014).

Use of Adinkra Symbols

Adinkra symbols can be seen on a variety of exported goods, including fabric, T-
shirts, headgear, sculpture, ceramics, and various articles of apparel. Tattoo design is another well-liked application for the symbols (Agbo, 2011). Before choosing a symbol for a tattoo, you should do more research on its meaning to make sure it communicates what you want.

Interview with one staff of the NPC on why the Council adopted the Adinkra symbol as their logo, he averred that:

The Adinkra are a group of West African symbols noted for their symbolism, significance, and ornamental elements. They serve ornamental purposes, but their major function is to express notions relating to traditional wisdom, life issues, or the environment. Adinkra symbols are named after their original originator, King Nana Kwadwo Agyemang Adinkra of Gyaman, Ghana. There are at least 121 documented Adinkra symbols. The NPC has adopted the Ese Ne Tekrema as one of their key symbols.

Ese Ne Tekrema

Ese Ne Tekrema is a symbol that originated from the Ashanti people of Ghana. It is a powerful symbol that represents peace, unity, and friendship (Poirier & Eglash, 2014). Ese Ne Tekrema is a phrase in the Akan language. Ese means teeth, while Tekrema means tongue. The phrase literally translates to “the teeth and the tongue.”
The symbol stands for the notion that the tongue and teeth are complementary and necessary for achieving a common objective. Like the teeth and tongue, friends require cooperation to function properly. It stands for the value of cooperation and the notion that everyone possesses talents and capabilities, but that they all must collaborate to accomplish a common objective (Agbo, 2011).

It frequently serves as a symbol of the value of friendship and communities at events like weddings display them. It is also used in funerals to symbolise the belief that we remain connected to our loved ones after we pass away.

Strength is another meaning of the symbol. We can speak, eat, and smile thanks to the cooperation of the teeth and tongue, two of the body’s strongest muscles (Poirier & Eglash, 2014). The image serves as a reminder of the value of having healthy mental, physical, and emotional health.

In addition, Ese Ne Tekrema is used in many African initiation ceremonies. These ceremonies are designed to mark a transition from one phase of life to another, and the symbol is used to represent the importance of community and fellowship in these transitions.

Why the NPC adopted this Adinkra Symbol.

A key participant said:
The NPC adopted the Ese Ne Tekrema because it is a significant symbol that serves as a reminder of the value of cooperation and teamwork. It is a potent reminder that our combined strength is greater than our individual strength.

It serves as a reminder of the value of having great physical, mental, and emotional health. Ese Ne Tekrema is also a symbol of peace and friendship. It serves as a reminder that we should value and cultivate our interpersonal connections and live in peace.

Another participant said:
This symbol says, Sometimes, you accidentally bite your tongue, but it doesn’t mean that you cut it out and throw it away. Even if there is conflict; as it sometimes occurs between the teeth and tongue, a nonviolent method must be used to resolve it.

Another participant had this to say:
The symbol shows that the tongue and teeth play interdependent roles in the mouth, and while they may come into conflict now and then, they must also work together.

The tongue and teeth play distinct but intertwined roles. They coexist inside the
mouth and might have disagreements, yet they still work together.

This is shown in the figure below:

Figure 2: Ese Ne Tekrema Symbol

The Dove

The dove is one of the most recognized symbols of peace and harmony (Amoh, 2023). It has been used throughout history and across different cultures to represent peace and tranquillity. The dove frequently has an olive branch in its beak, which adds to the peace symbolism (Turner, 1967).

The dove has been used as a peace symbol dating back to ancient times. The dove was a symbol of the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, in Greek mythology. The appearance of a dove was thought to portend good fortune and a peaceful resolution.

Figure 3: The Dove

The dove is frequently pictured with a halo or light rays because, according to Christianity, it stands in for the Holy Spirit. The biblical tale of Noah’s Ark introduced the dove as a symbol of peace and purity when a dove was sent out to look for land and returned bearing an olive branch, signifying that the floodwaters had subsided.

Additionally, the dove has served as a peace symbol for numerous political and social groups. For instance, the dove evolved into a potent anti-war symbol during the Vietnam War, signifying the wish for peace

and an end to violence. The dove is still a potent representation of harmony, peace, and hope today. It serves as a reminder of how crucial cooperation and understanding are to establishing world peace.

The Green Olive Branch

The olive branch has long been regarded as a representation of harmony and peace. It first appeared in ancient Greek and Roman communities, where the olive tree was worshipped and linked with divine knowledge (Turner, 1967). Traditionally, an olive branch has been given as a gesture of truce or to begin peaceful negotiations.

Figure 4: Olive Branch
This practise of using olive oil dates to antiquity (Mohan, 2019). In the early Christian era, the olive branch gained widespread acceptance as a representation of peace. According to the Bible’s account of Noah and the deluge, a dove carrying an olive branch in its beak returns to the ark, signifying the cessation of the great flood and the establishment of peace on earth (Bible: Genesis 8:9-9). This biblical tale emphasised the olive branch’s symbolic value as a symbol of renewal, hope, and peace.

A key participant mentioned that:
The dove with a green olive leaf as another symbol of the NPC. This symbol is frequently associated with the ideas of peace and nonviolence. They frequently feature in political cartoons, on banners and signs at peace-promoting events such as the Olympics Games, anti-war and antiviolence protests, and in pacifist literature. Doves, which are usually white in colour, are utilised as symbols of peace, freedom, or love in a variety of contexts. Doves can
be found in the symbols of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and paganism, as well as military and pacifist organisations. One board member who is a religious minister in the interview said that according to the Biblical narrative in Genesis 8:11, Noah launched a dove to search for land after the flood; it returned carrying a freshly picked olive leaf, a sign of life after the flood and of God bringing Noah, his family, and the animals to land. The dove and olive leaf were understood in Rabbinic literature as peace, and therefore it is a symbol that explains the role of NPC.

Peace Symbols and Conflict Prevention

The phrase “conflict prevention” refers to a broad range of peacebuilding-related actions and tactics used to anticipate and then neutralise possible causes of protracted, violent conflict (Avruch, 1998).

A participant explained how the symbols used by the NPC can prevent or manage conflicts:

Peace symbols are powerful tools for preventing conflicts for these reasons: The symbols speak directly to the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is the part of the mind that is not in a state of awareness. This part of the mind contains the memory banks, thought generators, emotion generators, a sensory input controller, and a dedicated storage for habits.

Once a person knows a peace symbol, anytime it is seen or anytime what it represents is confronted, the memory will quickly remind the person of its significance, which can directly influence the person’s actions. This has a strong influence on conflict prevention.

People are made to swear in court with a symbol (the Bible, the Crucifix, the Quran, or other traditional symbols they believe in) because statements given under oath and certain legal documents are presumed to be truthful or at least made in good faith. And this binds them and makes them speak the truth. Peace symbols have a similar influence on people who know them.

Another participant said that:
Peace symbols help us make tangible what is intangible. And the only reason peace symbols have meaning is because we infuse them with meaning, making them sacred. That meaning lives in our minds, not in the item itself. Only when the purpose, cause, or belief is clear can the symbol command great power.

Road warning signs are usually in a diamond shape and bright yellow. I am a driver. Let’s look at road signs; they serve multiple functions. They help people navigate safely by warning them of bridges, construction zones, curves, etc. Drivers keep them in their memory and act whenever they see the sign. If people are taught peace symbols, they also carry them in their memories. Anytime they see the symbol, especially during periods of tension, it reminds them of the need to live in peace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 12 symbols of peace, including the dove, olive branch, white flag, peace sign, CND symbol, peace crane, pacifism symbol, rainbow flag, prayer for peace, peace symbol, earth chalice, and unity, represent a collective desire for harmony and serenity in the world. These symbols serve as reminders of our shared goal to promote peace and understanding among all individuals and communities.

The NPC has adopted the dove with an olive branch in its beak and the Adinkra symbol (Ese ne Tekrema) as its key symbols. By embracing these symbols and their meanings, the NPC strives to create a country where conflicts are resolved peacefully, and all people can live in unity and cooperation. The symbols remind the staff and citizens to come together with open hearts and minds and work towards a future filled with peace and compassion for all.

These peace symbols used by the NPC are now recognised as emblems that perfectly
capture the desire of Ghanaians for peace. Humanity will inevitably develop more symbols to convey the idea until world peace is fully attained. These images serve as a reminder of our goals for the time being.

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Citation:
Ohene-Amoh, C. (2023). Peace symbolism and iconography: The case of the symbols of Ghana National Peace Council. University of Cape Coast.