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Cultural Symbols  

Africans who peopled Nova Scotia come from many different ethnic groups of the African continent. Because the institution of slavery sought to eradicate the memory of the culture of the homeland, much of what is remembered comes to us cloaked in music, song, games and stories. Also in response to the acculturation many have adopted and fused together aspects of West African culture such as wearing the Adwinasa traditional Kente Cloth and using Adinkra symbols.

The Kente Cloth: Traditionally Kente is woven by the Asante and Ewe peoples of Ghana and La Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). The cloth constitutes a code of the artistic, cultural, and belief system of the Akan(Asante). more info: www.marshall.edu/akanart/cloth_kente.html
Adinkra Symbols: The Adinkra ideographic and pictographic symbols are found everywhere. Each symbol has a meaning and is used as a means of transmitting the cultural values of the People.

Both the Adinkra symbols and the Kente cloth are used as political commentary by African Nova Scotians. Both the cloth and the symbols are seen at special events and celebrations held throughout the year.

 

 Seasonal Cultural Activities

In the Summer months cultural activities include:

'Founders Day' in Shelburne
'Homecoming Days', New Glasgow and Weymouth
Africville Picnic, Seaview Park, Halifax
the Multicultural Festival, Dartmouth (waterfront at Ferry terminal)
Commemoration ceremonies for the No.2 Construction Black Battalion, Pictou
and the 'Jazz Fest', Halifax, to name a few.

In February, Nova Scotia celebrates 'African Heritage Month'. For further information on festivities contact the Black Cultural Centre.

 

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