Sankofa Stool
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.” Translating “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.
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.