DENKYEM - Adaptability

Denkyem

NPS

Denkyem, which translates to "crocodile," represents certain attributes of a crocodile that were valued in Ghanaian society. This adinkra symbol represents adaptability, which the crocodile aptly demonstrates in how although it lives in the water, in swampy areas, it is still able to breathe the air, portraying its flexibility to different circumstances. Not only is the crocodile able to thrive in different environments, it is a common creature in African mythology, and is held in high regard as the most intelligent creature. This symbol is a representative of all the African Americans buried at this site, as many Africans were seized from their homes and forced into an unfamiliar environment.

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Last updated: November 9, 2015

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