Sankofa, the symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and heritage, symbolizes the artistic values that fuse all COBA educational programs.
The Akan of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire (map below) make extensive use of a system of ideographic and pictographic symbols. Individually, each symbol is associated with a specific proverb or saying rooted in the Akan experience. Collectively, these symbols form a system of writing that preserves and transmits the accumulated cultural values of the Akan people.
The Akan of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire (map below) make extensive use of a system of ideographic and pictographic symbols. Individually, each symbol is associated with a specific proverb or saying rooted in the Akan experience. Collectively, these symbols form a system of writing that preserves and transmits the accumulated cultural values of the Akan people.
The Sankofa bird is one of these symbols. It is a mythical bird that flies forward with its head turned backward. This reflects the Akan belief that the past serves as a guide for planning the future, or the wisdom in learning from the past to build the future.
The word Sankofa is derived from the words 'San' (return), 'Ko' (go), and 'Fa' (look, seek and take). The Akan believe that there must be movement with the times but as the forward march proceeds, the gems must be picked up from behind and carried forward on the march.
COBA offers educational packages that include a live performance from the members of COBA's company. For more information, please visit Sankofa for Educators.
The word Sankofa is derived from the words 'San' (return), 'Ko' (go), and 'Fa' (look, seek and take). The Akan believe that there must be movement with the times but as the forward march proceeds, the gems must be picked up from behind and carried forward on the march.
COBA offers educational packages that include a live performance from the members of COBA's company. For more information, please visit Sankofa for Educators.
