adinkra symbols sankofa

Representing the Adinkra symbol for sankofa, this pair of dangle earrings depict birds that reach to grab eggs off their backs. Meaning "go back and get it" in the Twi dialect, these striking symbols are handcrafted of natural ebony wood by Ghana's Robert Lanyo to adorn the ears on brass hooks.

Against a verdant green forehead, the traditional Adinkra symbol Sankofa decorates this African mask. Ghanaian designer Rapheal L. Commey offers this mask, which is hand-carved from a single piece of sese wood. A hand-painted design and clay rub finnish this striking, cultural mask.

Working in native sese wood, Ali Ibrahim depicts an Ashanti icon. A traditional adinkra symbol from Ghana inspires him. Carved by hand, it features the sankofa image, enhanced with the textures of embossed aluminum and brass. Sankofa is understood as "go back to your roots," a message conveyed through the form of a bird with its head tilted backward.