Meaning & History

The Sankofa Adinkra symbol has two depictions: one of a heart-like swirling motif and one of a bird. The Akan people of Ghana are the creators of the word “Sankofa” meaning “to go back and get it” in the Akan language. Sankofa symbolizes the Akan people’s pursuit of knowledge, implying that this pursuit is founded on critical analysis, intelligent investigation, and patient deliberation. People look to the Adinkra symbol to be reminded of the significance of gaining wisdom from one’s experiences in the past to have a more prosperous future.

Purpose of Work

The twin heart Sankofa Stool(s) draw from the symbol to imbue the work with recognition, acknowledging it as an opportunity to embrace the past and the intertwined history to provide an object that resembles a heart, deriving its structure from Ashanti stools. The motif of Sankofa and the structure of the Ashanti stool blend two profound cultural artifacts into one piece that acknowledges their presence, bringing it into the contemporary to engage with audiences. This provides spectators the opportunity to interpret it as a Heart Stool. An act of care and legibility for the viewer, allowing them to resonate with a familiar motif; inviting them to further investigate the work and deeper symbolism. The acknowledgment of the viewer is critical to the ongoing research within Translation because the work seeks to inform on the depth of culture that is being blended into a modern context. Much of the African continent has been subjected to pillaging, leading to an unquantifiable loss of cultural traditions, significantly within the context of — lost art. This body of work aims not to reclaim these things but to enrich the world with new work and appreciate what remains.