Looking Back Pendant

A brass Adinkra Symbol pendant that is 30 x 39  mm including 2 rings. This pendant was found at the Kokofrom Cooperative in Kumasi.

Wikipedia says this about Adinkra Symbols:
‘Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the Ashanti, that represent concepts or aphorisms. Adinkra are used extensively in fabrics, pottery, logos and advertising. They are incorporated into walls and other architectural features. Fabric adinkra are often made by woodcut sign writing as well as screen printing. Adinkra symbols appear on some traditional Akan goldweights. The symbols are also carved on stools for domestic and ritual use. Tourism has led to new departures in the use of the symbols in such items as T-shirts and jewelry.

The symbols have a decorative function but also represent objects that encapsulate evocative messages that convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life or the environment. There are many different symbols with distinct meanings, often linked with proverbs. ‘

This particular Adinkra Symbol, Sankofa which means “Go Back and Get It” is a  symbol of the importance of learning from the past.