Back to Benjamin Banneker
Quincunx
When Ron Eglash was investigating Benjamin Banneker's family origins, he found a mix of religious symbols in West
Africa. Which one might be the best link to Banneker's quincunx?
When you think you know the answer, click on the picture and see if it is correct!
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Meaning
A diagram of the universe: spirtual above, physical below.
 
 
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Meaning
The god of cycles
 
 
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Country
Many African nations
 
 
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Meaning
Spiritual power spreading in all directions
 
 
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 The Cosmogram Symbol 
The Cosmogram symbol does look a lot like Banneker's quincux! But look closely, the arrangement of this
symbol is from top to bottom and side to side. How was Quincunx arranged? Go back and look at the other
symbols and see if any of them are a better match than this one.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Dan Symbol 
The Dan symbol has a meaning similar to the Quincunx symbol, but it doesn't look at all similar.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Star and Crescent Symbol 
The Star and Crescent is a religious symbol. However, it doesn't really look like Quincunx.
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Light of God Symbol
Congratulations! Great work! The Light of God symbol does look just like Banneker's Quincunx. What country
was it from? Your group will need this information.
Here are some other examples of the Quincunx symbol that Professor Ron Eglash found during his research
trip.
A prayermat
 
A toolbox
 
Balcony or porch
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Processional Cross 
The Processional cross is a religious symbol, however it doesn't look at all like Quincunx.