Chicken Foot (Mother’s Bosom)

A Matter of Protection in Africa

The Akan tribe, who live on the shores of Western Africa, have a system of symbols which they call Adinkra, one of which is called ‘Akoko Nan’. This symbolizes the proverb ‘A mother’s foot can step on her children but will never harm them’! This is an affectionate and protective symbol which advises raising children with love, but without spoiling them.

It is a Matter of…

We don’t want to offend the elders in Africa, but in our land we have a saying ‘Roses flourish where a mother strikes us’. Another common saying is ‘Raw chicken would be eaten without question if it is your mother that requests it’. In short, we all need protection and affection from our mothers.