African Symbols

Sankofa and African Adinkra Symbols

Sankofa  is represented by the symbols of a bird with its head turned toward the back removing an egg from it’s back, and also a stylised shape of a heart. Adrinka symbols are arguably the most well known and loved African symbols due to the wonderful graphics and meanings. The symbols were originally used on African textile prints as patterns and have morphed into widely used African symbols used on everything from glassware to wall hangings. Jewelry with Sankofa is also widely used.

The meaning, or proverb linked to these symbols is “It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten” – directly translated Sankofa means “go back and take”. From an American African perspective it is a highly regarded symbol. Of all the Adinkra symbols, and there are many, this one holds a special place in many African hearts. Used in in jewelry as a symbolic statement, the Sankofa symbol is easy to construct and incorporate into rings or pendants.

The symbol is widely used on African textile prints – bolts of cloth, and many other items. It has another variation which is a heart – In terms of African symbols the Akan people of Gana have the most beautiful and meaningful symbols, in my opinion. South African symbols by comparison fall far short. The African people in general have symbols for almost everything – most of them not catalogued like the Adinkra symbols. The most well known South African symbols are nothing to boast about – but there are a few gems. African masks with meanings seem to be well known in South Africa.

From Southern Africa we have the Nyami Nyami and the Power mask – both very strong South African symbols – although the Nyamnyami is from Zimbabwe and Zambia – it has found a place in the hearts of visitors to S.A.

These African Adinkra symbols represent love – The African Love symbol means “Love does not get lost on it’s way home” The Akan people certainly had a poetic way with words, and manage to capture beautiful sentiments in their symbolism. South African symbols fall short in the symbolic meanings and poetry of words, seeming to concentrate on the harsher sides of reality. The Sankofa symbol sums up the depth of the Akan people, showing a kind and thoughtful side. All of the Adinkra symbols have some gem of wisdom, and they all started when people were looking for  African textile prints.