SANKOFA

Bird and Symbol Prints



There are two different ways to illustrate the SANKOFA, one is the mythical bird symbol which you see below, and the other is the heart shaped symbol, next to it.


The Sankofa symbolizes the Akan people’s quest for knowledge and understanding of cultural wisdom.  The Akan's believe that there must be movement and new learning as time passes, and that the knowledge of the past must never be forgotten.

We all have a shared and diverse cultural heritage that
deserves to be preserved and honored, allowing us to deepen our understanding
of one another and work toward a more harmonious future. The image of the
SANKOFA bird beautifully symbolizes this connection: it moves forward with its
feet planted ahead, while its head looks back, holding an egg—representing
future generations—in its beak. The Akan believe the past serves as a guide for
planning the future. To the Akan, it is this wisdom in learning from the past
which ensures a strong and purposeful path forward. The wisdom of reflection is
a universal guide, reminding us that through knowledge of the past, we can
collectively create a more compassionate and empowered future.