TRIBE I Behind The Scenes

Taking you behind the scenes of the Adjoa tribe collection

Africa, Ghana itself is intrinsically inspiring. Textiles, Taste, Colour, Culture. It is the elixir of life.

The TRIBE collection is an accumulation of flavour and essence.

Inspired by popular Ghanaian cuisines, the warm colours and spices in dishes like Kenkey, Koko, Kelewele and that smokey flavourful Jollof rice we all grew up is paid homage in the form of the name day hoodies. The minimal aspect is a modern take on the traditional.

The art of printing symbols has evolved from the rudimentary stamps using tree sap onto fabrics to the use of screenprints. However, each method still holds the same value and results with an imperfect finish keeping that unique charm. To me, minimalism can be encapsulated as being comfortable in minor moments and surrounded by less. less is introspective. It forces you to look within and shift your value system away from the material and onto experiences and your journey through life. The lifestyle totes tell a story with the use of Adinkra symbols. A simple and sturdy statement tote with a custom handmade strap I created using Asa oke (ah-SHAW-okay) a hand-woven cloth material created by the Yoruba people of West Africa.

The Adinkra symbols consist of;

Duafe - An adinkra symbol of a wooden comb that represents self-love and self-care

Nokore - means and embodies truth and all that relates to it. It is meant to inspire truthfulness in people because the truth always stands the test of time.

Asetena pa - represents good living to live Positively and not exist through life passively but being alive and prioritising your mental health. It is our “Carpe Diem”

The process of screen printing is an interesting one. The fabric paints are eco-friendly. Each print is handcrafted and carved. I think it's essential to have that personal touch. The same method is applied through block-prints to stamp on labels and sizes always from off-cuts to reduce waste as much as possible. striving to minimise my carbon footprint in all aspects of my life and my business.

The Adinkra symbols themselves represent popular proverbs and the wisdom of our ancestors through easily recognisable visual symbols. That to me was created to guide the individual through the different stages of their life, as a way to wear your beliefs as a constant visual reminder. Each tee theme has a unique trio of symbols.

For Faith, Protection, Perspective and finally, Harmony.

Day-names are a cultural practice in Ghana given to a child depending on the day on which they were born. They hold symbolic meaning and represent specific features of this divine earth and traits of the individual themselves. In addition to the ‘TRIBE’ collection is the NKWA hoodies, as they represent life, living and existence.