Sankofa is a word in the Akan language of Ghana that translates as "reach back and get it" (san - to return; ko - to go; fa - to fetch, to seek and take) and also refers to the Asante Adinkra symbol represented either by a bird with its head turned backwards taking an egg off its back, or as a stylised heart shape.
Sankofa is often associated with the proverb, “Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi," which translates as: "It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten." The Sankofa symbol appears frequently in traditional Akan art, and has also been adopted as an important symbol in an African-American and African Diaspora context to represent the need to reflect on the past to build a successful future. It is one of the most widely dispersed adinkra symbols, appearing in modern jewellery, tattoos, and clothing.
This post is part of the Monday Mellow Yellows meme,
and also part of the Monday Murals meme,
and also part of the Blue Monday meme.
They are all real artsy. Like everyone.
ReplyDeleteHi Nick,
ReplyDeleteGood information. Thanks for playing today.
Happy Blue Monday!
The murals are great, and thanks for the interesting story.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the word "sankofa" many times but never stopped to consider its meaning. So thanks for educating me on its meaning and its symbol. I like the idea of going back and reclaiming what has been forgotten. Thanks for contributing to this week's Monday Mural.
ReplyDelete