African Akwaba Ring in Bronze – Akan Symbol from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana

The African Akwaba ring in bronze takes up the silhouette of the famous Akan figurine: a round face set on a pared-down body. Handmade in Africa, adjustable and unisex, it carries a double message: welcome and life.

Akwaba, an Akan symbol from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana

The Akan live on both sides of the border between Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. In their languages, Akwaba means “welcome”. It is the first word addressed to a visitor, so much so that Côte d'Ivoire chose it as the name of the mascot of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Akwaba is also the name of a carved figurine, instantly recognizable with its disk-shaped head. Its name comes from the legend of Akua: “Akua's child”. Akua is the name given among the Akan to a woman born on a Wednesday. The Akan have passed down many other symbols to us, from Akan weights and Adinkra symbols to kente, their handwoven cloth.

The story of Akwaba

According to Akan tradition, Akua could not have a child. A priest advised her to have a small wooden figurine carved and to care for it like a baby. She carried it everywhere, despite the mockery, then gave birth to a daughter. Since then, the Akwaba figurine has accompanied women hoping for a child. It represents fertility, the protection of mother and child, and the continuity of the family.

Transposed into a ring, this shape keeps the essentials: the face, the verticality, the presence. Worn on the finger, it speaks of welcoming life and of the bond with Akan tradition.

Ring details

• Material: bronze
• Symbol: Akwaba, welcome, fertility, protection
• Origin of the symbol: Akan peoples of Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana
• Making: handmade in Africa
• Size: adjustable, fits most fingers
• Style: unisex

How to wear the Akwaba ring?

On its own, as a statement piece, or with other bronze jewelry: a polished bronze bangle, bronze Cowrie earrings (discover the story of the cowrie in Africa), or a second ring such as the Niari Tali ring. It looks great with handwoven cloth or a plain outfit. Browse all our African rings and our African jewelry.

The other Akan symbols in our shop

To build a set around Akan culture:

• Bronze Sankofa necklace, symbol of memory and resilience (also read Sankofa: meaning and origin)
• Bronze Akan and Baoulé weight choker necklace
• Guélé Djiri bead and Akan weight necklace
• Handwoven Akan Kita pants
• Ghanaian Kente tunic shirt
• Yaa pencil skirt in Ashanti Kente

Another widely worn Akan symbol: Gye Nyame, meaning of the Adinkra symbol.

Frequently asked questions about the Akwaba ring

What does Akwaba mean?

Akwaba means “welcome” in the Akan languages, spoken in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. It is also the name of a traditional figurine, “Akua's child”, a symbol of fertility and protection.

Where does the Akwaba figurine come from?

It comes from the Akan peoples, settled in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. It is recognizable by its large, round, flat head, set on a stylized body.

What does an Akwaba ring symbolize?

It symbolizes the welcoming of life: welcome, fertility, the protection of mother and child, and transmission from one generation to the next.

What is the legend of the Akwaba?

Akua, a woman who could not have a child, had a figurine carved and cared for it like a baby. She eventually gave birth to a daughter. The figurine took the name “Akua's child”.

Can I give it as a gift?

Yes, to a woman or a man: it is unisex and adjustable, so there is no need to know the finger size. It is a meaningful gift for a birth, plans for a child, a new home, a wedding or a new start. Giving an Akwaba means welcoming what is beginning.

Is the Akwaba ring for women or for men?

It is unisex and suits women and men alike.

Is the ring adjustable?

Yes. Simply open or gently close the band to fit your finger.

What is it made of?

It is bronze and handmade in Africa.

Can it be worn every day?

Yes. Once adjusted, it stays comfortable. Simply take it off before showering, swimming in the pool or the sea.

How do I care for a bronze ring?

Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth and store it somewhere dry. Bronze develops a natural patina over time, which is part of its charm.

Akwaba and Ankh: the same idea of life

With its round head above a vertical axis, the Akwaba figurine recalls the Ankh cross of the Nile valley. It is not a lineage, but a resonance between two African symbols that place life at the center. If this parallel speaks to you, discover our hammered bronze Ankh ring, our bronze Ankh necklace and the whole Ankh and Kemetic jewelry collection.

Fair pay

We work with each artisan directly, over the long term, and we pay the price they set. To go further, read our article The social role of jewelry in Africa: identity and memory.

Kaolack Créations

Kaolack Créations offers jewelry and clothing made in Africa, in direct contact with the artisans. We work with each of them over the long term, and we pay the price they set. Find us at kaolack-creations.com and at Kama The Shop, 51 rue Vauvenargues, Paris 18th.