sankofa art

Sunlight drenches this batik on cotton work by K. Baka. Set in Aburi, an "aklowa" (village) about 30 miles north of Accra, the painting is a personal expression of what the artist considers to be one of his sanctuaries. The pair of cottage huts and coconut trees represent twins with whom he became enamored upon first visiting the village. Towering flora backdrop the serenity of Baka's refuge.

Aburi is a hilly town, renowned for its spectacular view, as the higher elevation affords glimpses of Accra rivaling those seen from a helicopter. Here also is the home of one of the world's most significant botanical gardens - a haven for exotic, tropical and medicinal plants. Inspired by the contrast between urbanity and the peace of the countryside, Baka elaborates this work using dyes extracted naturally from vegetables.

This handcrafted threadwork wall art from Ernestina Oppong Asante features the sankofa, an adinkra symbol that is understood as "go back to your roots," a message conveyed through the form of a bird with its head turned backward. Adinkra symbols are visual icons that were introduced by the Akan peoples; they usually represent proverbs or concepts. The artisan places the cotton threads one by one as she creates the composition.

Hand carved textures and rich colors distinguish a mask of opulent beauty. By Godfred France, it combines African sese wood in green, yellow, red and black for an original design with Ghanaian influence. He names it Sankofa, an Akan word meaning "return and get it."

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.

Sankofa means “going back to one's roots” in the ancient Akan language, and Victor Ayambire's newest creation will make you feel one with your culture and heritage. Working with sese wood, the Ghanaian artisan crafts a traditional mask perfect for adding a cultural vibe to your interiors. On top of that, the artwork features a palette of vibrant hues, bird motifs and aluminum plates for a dazzling vibe.

"This is my lovely bird," confides Kobina Asmah of this amazing sculpture. Turning its head back on itself, this bird becomes the Sankofa symbol that reminds one to retrieve from the past that which is useful, and carry it forward. Asmah is inspired by the legendary Adinkra symbols of Ashanti origin to carve this spectacular sese wood sculpture. Holding a seed in its beak, the bird has colorful wings studded with recycled glass beads, and etched patterns on its long neck. The base is inlaid with brass motifs.

Francis Agbete finds inspiration in the wisdom and artistry of the Adinkra symbols of the Ashanti people. Originally credited to Nana Kofi Adinkra, these legendary symbols revolve around several themes with a rich proverbial content. For the Asante people, proverbs are regarded as a mark of wisdom. Hand-carved of sese wood by Agbete, the symbols on this long wall adornment include, starting at the top: Mmusuyidee or "that which removes ill luck," which stands for good fortune and sanctity followed by the most widely known symbol, Gye Nyame, hailing God's supremacy. Next is Sankofa, which encourages to learn from the past, Nkontim or queen’s servant, symbolizing loyalty and service, and the fifth is Akofena, the sword of war, represents courage and valor.

Includes galvanized steel hooks for hanging.

The ancient Ghanaian sages transmitted their knowledge and spiritual guidance through mystic symbols known by the region's people as Adinkra. Artist Eliasu Adams tells us more about each of these signs, creating a dried calabash gourd statuette mounted in a sturdy steel stand to display the icon's charming aura. The symbol depicted is the Sankofa bird, meaning “look to the past to inform the future” in the Akan language.

The warm and prosperous lands of the Ghanaian region inspire artisan Philip Dankwa to honor them with a marvelous sese wood mask, titled Sankori, meaning "a good place." The artisan uses meticulous techniques to create this sublime piece, later painted in yellow, blue and red hues for a regal look.