The background artwork contained in this website are samples of traditional West Africian symbols called Adrinka symbols. Adrinka symbols are named after King Adrinka, an early 19th century Ivory Coast king. The throne for Ashanti royalty was the sacred Golden Stool, which according to legend, had miraculously decended from the sky and was carved with detailed and intricate symbols and patterns. King Adrinka made a copy of the Golden Stool and was beheaded by the Ashanti for his sacrilege. Later, artisans and craftspeople were inspired to copy the symbols from the Golden Stool and from King Adrinka's clothing. These became known as Adrinka symbols.