adinkra symbols sankofa

Designed by Ghanaian artisan Abdul Aziz Mohamadu, this mask will add a touch of African culture to your home. The long mask is hand-carved of sese wood and painted in tones of black, white, and blue. The Adinkra symbol Sankofa, meaning "go back and get it," is carved into the mask's forehead.

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 copper. This is understood as "go back to your roots," a message conveyed through the form of a bird with its head tilted backward.

Working in native sese wood, Abdul Aziz Mohamadu creates a pair of birds as sculptures. One holds a golden egg while both turn to look behind them. An Ashanti icon, the birds depict a traditional adinkra symbol known as the sankofa. This is understood as "go back to your roots," the message conveyed through the form of a bird with its head tilted backward.

One of the most recognized Adinkra symbols, the sankofa bird centers this necklace by Ali Mohammed. Turning its head upon its body, the image symbolizes learning from the past as well as returning to one's roots. The hand-carved sese wood pendant is surrounded by bamboo and wood beads and is worn on a black cord necklace of adjustable length.

The Adinkra symbol sankofa, meaning "go back and get it," is hand-carved of cedarwood into the two legs of this Ghanaian accent table. Raphat Asigbey designs the table, diligently realizing the birds with great detail. He etches a sun design into the table's round surface, painting the entire piece by hand for an exciting addition to your home.

Elegantly carved from sese wood, the Sankofa symbol lends its fluid grace to this throne ottoman. Kwasi Asante creates a delightful design filled with significance. A Ghanaian adinkra symbol, the Sankofa bird reaches into the past and returns with values and assets that can be used to build the future.

Ghanaian artisan Alex Ansah Ampofo hand-carves this African mask from sese wood. The forehead features the image of the Adinkra symbol Sankofa, depicting a bird that reaches to grab an egg off of its back and signifying the importance of learning from the past. The brow is decorated with the Adinkra symbol Akofena, representing courage and valor. Embossed aluminum enhances this mask, which is rubbed with clay for a rustic finish.

Beautifully carved, these two masks are crafted of native sese wood by Theophilus Anum. The curved tops of both masks depict the Adinkra symbol Sankofa, a bird with its head turned backwards and an egg in its mouth. Sankofa literally translates to "go back and get it," representing the importance of learning from the past. The handsome pair of masks can be displayed on the wall or stand alone on a table.

Theophilus Anum designs a mask of impressive beauty crowned with the Sankofa bird, from the Akan adinkra symbol. Shaped like a bird with its head turned towards its back, it symbolizes learning from the past. The sese wood wall mask is crafted by hand featuring ornate embossed aluminum details.

Ahmed Baba Osmanu is inspired by the traditional treasure boxes of kings for the design of this jewelry box. Carved from sese wood, the box is adorned with the legendary Sankofa Adinkra symbol that is shaped like a bird with its neck and head turned backwards upon itself. It reminds all to look upon the past to retrieve important teachings. The lid is adorned with a handsome camel. Featuring brass hinges, the box closes with an aluminum latch.

Ghanaian artisan Ali Mohammed presents an intriguing sese wood accent table with cultural significance. The tabletop bears a series of adinkra symbols, carved and painted in ivory over dark brown. Adinkra symbols are visual symbols that were introduced by the Akan peoples; they usually represent proverbs or concepts. The table folds for easy storage when not in use.

The adinkra symbols on the tabletop are: Hye won hye, which translates to "that which does not burn"--a symbol of imperishability and endurance; Gye nyame, meaning "except for God"-- a symbol of God's supremacy; Wawa aba, "seed of the wawa tree" representing hardiness, toughness and perseverance; Nsoromma, "child of the heavens", a symbol of guardianship; Nyame biribi wo soro, meaning "God is in the heavens", a symbol of hope; Sankofa, meaning "return and get it", a symbol of the importance of learning from the past; Osram ne nsoromma, "the moon and the star", a symbol of love, faithfulness, and harmony; Nkonsonkonson, "chain link", a symbol of unity and human relations; and Sepow, "the knife thrust through the cheeks of the man about to be executed to prevent his invoking a curse on the king"--a symbol of justice.

The Sankofa bird looks to the past for the wisdom to build its future, its presence as an Adinkra symbol highlighting this striking Ashanti mask from Ghana. Eric Darko hand-carves the piece, carefully adhering to tradition.