Sankofa is an Akan (West African) word made up of three parts: san (“return”), ko (“go back”), and fa (“fetch/retrieve”). It is a symbol and principle that serves to remind us that the past is a “resource” and not merely a “reference.” One interpretation, among several, is “Go back to the past and recover it.” Yet another one is “Return to the source.” Similarly, sankofa may be interpreted as an injunction to “learn from the past” and finally as an order to “never forget the past and path you made when moving ahead.” The typical visual form is a bird standing or walking forward while reaching back with its head into its feathers. The bird is said to be taking something off its tail, searching through its tail feathers, or grooming itself. There are at least five meanings associated with this representation of Sankofa. First, it suggests the value of reflecting on the past. Second, it also suggests a person who self-consciously reflects before moving forward with a decision. Third, it represents self-definition, identity, and vision. Fourth, it represents an understanding of personal destiny and collective vocation. Finally, fifth, Sankofa is said to represent the repossession of something forgotten, misplaced, or lost.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Aug 2013 21:39:43 +0000