AkokoNan - 24x30 Acrylic on Canvas

Akoko Nan literally means: the foot of a hen. It is a symbol for nurturing coupled with discipline. This Adinkra is from the proverb, “Akoko nan tia ba na enkum ba,” literally, “The foot of a hen steps on the child (chick) but it doesn’t kill the child (chick).”

Hens are known to trample on their chicks without hurting them. Meaning it’s important to create a balance between nurturing children and disciplining them.

The journey of adult life is marked by further development and mastery of self-discipline and nurturing thru self-love. Which is greatly determined by who and what we allow to influence our subconscious or conscious thoughts & behaviors.

As we learn to tune into and follow our most authentic, loving selves.. that inner voice takes residence as "mother hen" to remind us of important life lessons and boundaries we must enforce for our own well being. Like mother nature, our inner mother hen always seeks to guide us down the best paths for our highest good, and the good of others.

Her voice is one we can learn to trust.