Adinkra Question (Hye-wo-nhye):-gctid139353

[Khafrahotep]

In the book The Adinkra Dictionary by W. Bruce Willis there is an Adinkra listed as Hye-wo-nhye supposedly meaning "Unburnable" (or "That which does not burn"). It is said to represent Toughness, Imperishability of Self and the Permanence of the Human (Kmtyw) Soul. Yet, this mysterious and ambiguous Adinkra symbol also seems to have a different and opposing interpretation to it, "The one who burns you, be not burned," implying it is a symbol of Forgiveness (turn the other cheek). Adding further to the confusion of this symbol is the fact that I have also seen it spelled Hye anhey...

In striving to learn more about the proper pronunciation and wisdom behind this powerful Adinkra symbol from my Twi-speaking/Akan brothers, they were unsure and unfamiliar with the word Hye-wo-nhye, essentially telling me that it is NOT a Twi (Akan) word, that it doesn't make sense, and that perhaps it was created (or made-up) by a non-Twi/Akan speaker.

After an exhaustive online search I basically came up with nothing, no info on the origins of the word or it's extrapolated meaning, other than the same copy-and-pasted definitions which have been repeatedly used over and over again online to describe this mysterious Adinkra symbol. Wikipedia says, Hye-wo-nhye means, "He who would burn you, be not burned" and adds that it was printed on the Asante King's pillow. Another site, claims that the Hye-wo-nhye symbol "gets its meaning from traditional priests that were able to walk on fire without burning their feet, an inspiration to others to endure and overcome difficulties."

Artistically and graphically speaking this symbol seems more consistent with its "Unburnable" definition and interpretation rather than the "Forgiveness" one. Notice the center part of the symbol seems squeezed between forceful blowing winds (life's struggles, difficulties and hardships), yet it appears to remain unaffected, unmoved, strong-standing and untouched.

The ambiguity of this powerful symbol has left me highly confused and slightly frustrated, as I would like to know more about it's true meaning and not just mere speculation or eureurasiaan interpretation which the internet is obviously filled with.

Does anyone know the right and exact interpretation of this Adinkra symbol (Hye-wo-nhye)?? Does anyone here know its true and proper meaning, spelling and pronunciation??

Hotep family.

[Ɔbenfo Ọbádélé]

Hye Wonhye
The wo- is a pronoun prefix and verb is negated as -nhye. As pronoun prefixes do not stand alone, it would be written as shown above. GF Kojo Arthur uses Hye Anhye (note this is not anhey as you wrote it). The meaning would be essentially the same in either configuration as
Hye Wonhye - Burn, you do not burn.
Hye Anhye - Burn was not burnt.

[Khafrahotep]

Meda ase Brother Obadele, for your informative reply... Could you share with us how it is properly pronounced? Much appreciation.

[Ɔbenfo Ọbádélé]

Khafrahotep;141409 wrote: Meda ase Brother Obadele, for your informative reply... Could you share with us how it is properly pronounced? Much appreciation.

I'll see if I can upload the audio.

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