Gye Nyame Cube: A Symbol of Divine Power and Humility

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  • Gye Nyame Cube A Symbol of Divine Power and Humil.xcs
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  • Summary

    Gye Nyame is a central symbol in the Adinkra symbol system of Ghana and broader African cultures. Its literal meaning is "Except for God" or "No one but God." Philosophically, it represents a deep belief in the concept that nothing existed before creation, and nothing will exist after creation except for God.
    --
    Story of the Gye Nyame Cube
    During our visit to one of the African history museums in National Park, Washington D.C., my husband, my daughter, my grandson, and I came across boxes adorned with symbols representing various cultures. A message was written in front of each box: "Step back, take a look at the symbols, and choose one that resonates with you." For some reason, I was drawn to this particular symbol and felt a strong urge to understand its meaning for me.
    After each of us opened the box containing our chosen symbol, we were all amazed by the profound meaning and spiritual symbolism it held.
    "The World Beyond, The Presences of the divine in all things"
    "This great panorama of creation dates back to time immemorial; no one alive saw the beginning of creation and no one will live to see it’s end, except God." 
    After returning home, I researched the symbol and learned its meaning. The symbol consists of a central block that looks like a clenched fist, representing God's powerful hand that controls everything.
    The two arches on the sides represent the beginning and end of all things:
    - The top-to-bottom arch shows that everything starts from God's hand.
    - The bottom-to-top arch shows that everything returns to God's hand.
    Nothing can escape God's power. Everything revolves around God and never leaves His control.
    Weeks later, my husband and I were shopping for woodcarving supplies when I came across a wooden cube. I was drawn to it and bought it, thinking I would later decide what to carve on it. Suddenly, I remembered the Gye Nyame symbol and loved the idea of putting it on all six sides of the cube. Since the cube represents the six directions surrounding us, adding Gye Nyame would symbolize encompassing both time and what lies beyond it.
    This marked the beginning of the story.
    
    I then pondered the type of stand that would hold the Gye Nyame Cube. At the time, I was watching a new science fiction series on Netflix called "3 Body Problem," which featured a symbol of three interlocking circles. I was intrigued by its appearance and wondered, "What if I cut three wooden circles like the symbol used in the series and made a triangular hole in them so that the Gye Nyame Cube could rest vertically?" I conducted a preliminary test, and the idea worked; the cube stood upright. I was delighted with this outcome.
    As I neared completion, a question arose: what exactly is this creation? Is it a statue? A sculpture? A painting? I struggled to find a precise label. Seeking guidance, I turned to artificial intelligence, specifically Gemini, which suggested I describe it as an "Artwork." And so, it was.
    
    Composed of Three Distinct Elements:
    The Gye Nyame Cube is a multifaceted creation that comprises three distinct elements:
    1. The Gye Nyame Symbol: At the heart of the Artwork lies the Gye Nyame symbol, a powerful emblem deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture. This symbol, featuring an egg encased in radiating sunbeams, represents the omnipotence and self-existence of God. Six identical Gye Nyame symbols adorn the faces of a 5.5 cm x 5.5 cm wooden cube, meticulously arranged according to the golden ratio, a mathematical proportion known for its aesthetic appeal.
    2. Three Interlocking Circles: Supporting the Gye Nyame Cube are three interlocking wooden circles, each carefully crafted to provide a stable resting place for the cube. The diameters of these circles, 97.92 mm, 60.61 mm, and 39.93 mm for the large, medium, and small circles, respectively, are not arbitrary choices. Instead, they follow the Fibonacci sequence, another mathematical pattern renowned for its harmonious proportions.
    3. A Ghanaian-Inspired Stand: The Gye Nyame Cube finds its resting place atop a beautifully designed stand, composed of two intersecting wooden pieces. These pieces, measuring 62.31 cm x 93.15 cm, are adorned with intricate carvings that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Ghana. The stand not only provides stability but also serves as a visual complement to the Gye Nyame Cube, reinforcing the connection between the artwork and its cultural roots.
    
    A Fusion of Art and Mathematics:
    The Gye Nyame Cube stands as a testament to the harmonious convergence of art and mathematics. The careful selection of proportions, the use of the golden ratio and Fibonacci sequence, and the integration of Ghanaian-inspired motifs elevate the artwork beyond mere aesthetics. It embodies a deep appreciation for cultural symbolism and mathematical principles, creating a piece that resonates with both the heart and the mind.

    Production Info

    Instruction
    Not included
    Application scenario
    Laser
    Software
    xTool Creative Space
    Machine & processing module
    xTool S1
    20W
    Compatible xTool Machine
    Guidelines for using compatible machines
    xTool Laserbox
    40W
    Material used
    5mm Pine Plywood
    - Ready-made Cube (5.5 * 5.5 mm) - Dollar Tree or Home Depot. - Basswood (3mm): Basswood sheets 3mm - from XTOOL. - Pinewood (5mm): Pinewood sheets - Lows. - Gunstock Finish.
    Total time
    34 min

    Setting

    Setting 1
    Setting 2
    Setting 3

    License

    This license allows reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator. If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms.
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