Sankofa: Embracing Past Lessons for a Brighter Future

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What is Sankofa?

Sankofa is an Akan word from Ghana that means "go back and fetch it". It is a symbol of a bird with its head turned backward, carrying an egg in its mouth, representing the idea of looking back at our past to learn from it and move forward. In this article, we will explore the significance of Sankofa and how it can help us build a better future.

 

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The History of Sankofa

Sankofa has its roots in the Akan people of Ghana, who used it as a way to remember their past and honor their ancestors. The symbol and concept of Sankofa were widely used during the transatlantic slave trade as a way for enslaved Africans to connect with their heritage and culture.

The Meaning of the Sankofa Symbol

The Sankofa translated from the Twi language to English means to return and get it. SAN translates to return, KO Translates to Go, FA translates to Look, seek and take. Sankofa embodies the idea of looking back at our past to learn from it and move forward. It encourages us to remember our ancestors and their struggles and triumphs, and to use that knowledge to build a better future. Sankofa reminds us that our history is a part of who we are, and that we cannot move forward without acknowledging and understanding it.

The Two Types Of Sankofa Symbol (Bird & Stylized Heart)
The Sankofa symbol is portrayed visually and symbolically using two images these Adinkra symbols are shown as a mythical bird that has its head turned back, a valuable egg (the future) within its mouth and its legs firmly facing forward as it flies and a stylized heart.

 

SANKOFA BIRD

SANKOFA HEART

sankofa heart

 

Each of these symbols serves to show the relevance of lessons learned in the past and how these lessons are useful for future achievements and developments.  

The Importance of Sankofa

Sankofa is important because it helps us to connect with our past and understand our present. By looking back at our history, we can gain a deeper appreciation for our culture and traditions, and we can learn from the mistakes of our ancestors. We can also use that knowledge to build a better future for ourselves and future generations.

The Symbolism of Sankofa
The Sankofa bird represents the idea of looking back at our past, while the egg it carries in its mouth symbolizes the future. The Sankofa symbol is often depicted with the words "se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi," which translates to "it is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten."


Uses of the Sankofa Symbol
For a symbol that has such deep cultural meanings and values, it is only expected that it should be used across a variety of things.
The Sankofa symbol is used as a tattoo, necklace, and various art forms. For art forms, the Sankofa heart symbol is at times introduced as a design in Akan stools and carved on iron gates. Such carvings on iron gates are frequently seen in places such as Ghana and the United States, especially New York City.

 

The Connection between Sankofa and Social Justice
Sankofa has a strong connection to social justice, as it encourages us to remember the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors and to use that knowledge to fight for a better future. By acknowledging the injustices of the past and learning from them, we can work towards a more just and equitable society.

How to Incorporate Sankofa into Our Lives
Incorporating Sankofa into our lives can be as simple as taking the time to learn about our family history and cultural heritage. We can also honor our ancestors by participating in cultural traditions and celebrations. By understanding and acknowledging our past, we can gain a deeper appreciation for who we are and where we come from.

Conclusion
Sankofa is a powerful symbol that reminds us of the importance of remembering our past to build a better future. By looking back at our history, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our culture, and we can learn from the mistakes of our ancestors. Incorporating Sankofa into our lives can help us to honor our ancestors and build a more just and equitable society.


FAQs
What is the origin of Sankofa?
Sankofa has its roots in the Akan people of Ghana


What does the Sankofa bird symbolize?
The Sankofa bird represents the idea of looking back at our past, while the egg it carries in its mouth symbolizes the future.


How can I incorporate Sankofa into my life?
You can incorporate Sankofa into your life by learning about your family history and cultural heritage, and by participating in cultural traditions and celebrations.


What is the significance of Sankofa in social justice?
Sankofa has a strong connection to social justice, as it encourages us to remember the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors and to use that knowledge to fight for a better future.


How can Sankofa help us build a better future?
By looking back at our history and learning from the mistakes of our ancestors, we can use that knowledge to build a better future for ourselves and future generations. Sankofa reminds us that our past is a part of who we are, and that we cannot move forward without acknowledging and understanding it.