Sankofa: Learn from the Past Adinkra Symbol

"Go back and get it" / "Return and get it"

Sankofa
[sahn-KOH-fah]

Origins and Historical Significance

Sankofa stands among the most profound and widely recognized Adinkra symbols in Akan culture, embodying the essential wisdom of learning from the past to build a better future. This powerful symbol expresses the deep understanding the Akan people have about the cyclical nature of time and the importance of historical knowledge in shaping present and future decisions.

The symbol's origins trace back to the Akan people of Ghana, emerging alongside the broader Adinkra tradition around the early 1700s or before. Like other Adinkra symbols, Sankofa was originally featured as prints on cloth worn by royalty and spiritual leaders during important ceremonies, serving as both decoration and philosophical teaching.

"Sankofa teaches us that we must go back to our roots in order to move forward. That is, we should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us, so that we can achieve our full potential as we move forward."
— Dr. Molefi Kete Asante

The name "Sankofa" literally translates to "go back and get it" or "return and get it" in the Akan language. This concept embodies the fundamental belief that wisdom, knowledge, and strength from the past are essential resources for navigating present challenges and building a prosperous future.

Deep Symbolic Meaning and Philosophy

Sankofa encompasses multiple layers of wisdom and philosophical meaning that have guided Akan communities for centuries:

Learning from History

The symbol emphasizes the importance of understanding and learning from past experiences, both positive and negative, as a foundation for making informed decisions in the present.

Cultural Continuity

It represents the unbroken connection between past, present, and future generations, highlighting the responsibility each generation has to preserve and transmit cultural knowledge and values.

Wisdom Through Reflection

Sankofa teaches that progress is not always about moving forward but sometimes requires stepping back to gather wisdom, reassess situations, and reclaim valuable knowledge that may have been forgotten or overlooked.

Spiritual Growth

The symbol connects to the belief that spiritual and personal development often requires returning to fundamental principles and ancestral wisdom to achieve true enlightenment and purpose.

The Sankofa symbol appears in two primary forms: as a stylized heart shape with spirals, and as a bird with its head turned backward while its feet face forward, sometimes holding an egg in its beak. Both representations convey the same essential message about the value of historical perspective.

Traditional Applications and Cultural Context

Ceremonial Textiles: Traditionally used on Adinkra cloth worn during important life transitions, funerals, and coming-of-age ceremonies. The symbol provided guidance about honoring ancestors while embracing the future.

Educational and Mentorship Contexts: Elders and teachers used Sankofa in educational settings to emphasize the importance of learning from traditional knowledge and ancestral wisdom before pursuing new endeavors.

Architectural and Artistic Applications: The symbol appears on traditional stools, pottery, gold weights, walls, and other architectural features, serving as constant reminders of the importance of historical awareness.

Storytelling and Oral Tradition: Sankofa frequently appears in Akan proverbs, stories, and oral traditions that teach young people about the value of understanding their heritage and learning from past experiences.

Cultural Respect and Authenticity

Given its profound philosophical significance, Sankofa should be approached with genuine respect and understanding of its meaning in Akan culture. It represents core beliefs about wisdom, learning, and cultural continuity that have sustained communities for generations and continue to provide guidance in contemporary life.

Contemporary Recognition and Usage

The widespread adoption of Sankofa, particularly among African Americans and the broader African diaspora, has solidified its status as a powerful symbol of cultural reclamation and historical consciousness.

Educational Institutions: Many schools and universities, particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), incorporate Sankofa in their missions and visual identities to emphasize the importance of understanding African heritage while pursuing academic excellence.

Cultural Organizations: Museums, cultural centers, and community organizations use Sankofa to represent their commitment to preserving and sharing African and African American history and culture.

Literature and Arts: The symbol frequently appears in African and African American literature, visual arts, and performance as a representation of the importance of cultural memory and historical consciousness.

Modern Applications in Daily Life

Today, Sankofa continues to provide wisdom and guidance for people worldwide:

Personal Development and Reflection

Use as a reminder to reflect on past experiences, both successes and failures, as sources of wisdom for current challenges and future goals.

Family and Community Building

Incorporate in family traditions and community initiatives that emphasize the importance of understanding family history, cultural heritage, and community roots.

Educational and Professional Growth

Apply Sankofa principles in learning environments by studying historical examples, learning from past mistakes, and building on previous knowledge and achievements.

Cultural Preservation and Celebration

Use in cultural events, heritage months, and community celebrations that honor ancestral wisdom while embracing contemporary progress and innovation.

Responsible Usage Guidelines

Cultural Education: Always accompany the use of Sankofa with education about its Akan origins and philosophical significance. Understanding the symbol's cultural context is essential for respectful usage.

Authentic Representation: When displaying the symbol, ensure accuracy in design and provide proper attribution to Akan culture and Ghanaian heritage.

Meaningful Application: Recognize that Sankofa represents profound wisdom about learning and growth. The symbol should be used in contexts that honor its philosophical depth rather than as mere decoration.

Community Engagement: When incorporating the symbol into significant projects or educational initiatives, consider consulting with Akan cultural experts or Ghanaian community representatives to ensure appropriate usage.

"The Sankofa symbol appears frequently in traditional Akan art, and has also been adopted as an important symbol throughout the African diaspora. It is frequently associated with the proverbs 'Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi' (It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten) and 'Sankofa: look back to move forward.'"
— Encyclopedia of African Religion

Sources and References

• Asante, Molefi Kete. "The Afrocentric Idea." Temple University Press, 1998.
• Encyclopedia of African Religion. "Sankofa." Sage Publications, 2009.
• Adinkra Symbols & Meanings. "Sankofa." AdinkraSymbols.org.
• West African Wisdom. "Adinkra Symbols of West Africa: Sankofa." Adinkra.org.
• Willis, Arlette Ingram. "Reading the World of School Literacy." Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2008.
• Kwame, Safro. "Reading in African Philosophy: An Akan Collection." University Press of America, 1995.
• Ghana Cultural Centre. "Traditional Symbols and Their Meanings."