NPS Dwennimmen, literally meaning "ram's horns," symbolizes that even the strong have to also be humble. The symbol is a bird's eye view of two rams butting heads, and the rams' horns symbolizes strength and humility through the characteristics of a ram. A ram will courageously fight against its foes when prompted, but will submit to slaughter when necessary, indicating that even the strong have to be humble. This is reminiscent of how many Africans were removed their homelands, enslaved, and still fought for their rights and freedom;enslaved Africans showed humility through their adaptation of American culture to create African-American culture. Dwennimmen is illustrated here at the burial ground through the melting pot of traditional African burial practices and American burial practices.
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Last updated: November 9, 2015