Rattray gives the names of the symbols as follows:

• 1. Gyawu Atiko, lit. the back of Gyawu's head. Gyawu was a sub-chief of Bantama who at the annual Odwira ceremony is said to have had his hair shaved in this fashion.
• 2. Akoma ntoaso, lit. the joined hearts.
• 3. Epa, handcuffs. See also No. 16.
• 4. Nkyimkyim, the twisted pattern.
• 5. Nsirewa, cowries.
• 6. Nsa, from a design of this name found on nsa cloths.
• 7. Mpuannum, lit. five tufts (of hair).
• 8. Duafe. the wooden comb.
• 9. Nkuruma kese, lit. dried okros.
• 10. Aya, the fern; the word also means ' I am not afraid of you ', ' I am independent of you' and the wearer may imply this by wearing it.
• 11. Aban, a two-storied house, a castle; this design was formerly worn by the King of Ashanti alone.
• 12. Nkotimsefuopua, certain attendants on the Queen Mother who dressed their hair in this fashion. It is really a variation of the swastika.
• 13 and 14 Both called Sankofa, lit. turn back and fetch it. See also Fig. 149 , No. 27.
• 15. Kuntinkantan, lit. bent and spread out ; nkuntinkantan is used in the sense of ' do not boast, do not be arrogant '.
• 16. Epa, handcuffs, same as No. 3.