Figure
Item number K2.368 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data
- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
A small carving of a bird with its elongated neck curved so that its beak touches the middle of its back. The eyes, and the beak are accentuated carved to accentuate these features. The back has grooved lines indicating feathers and is also carved with a diamond-shaped pattern on the upper part of its back. The horizontally flat upward angled tail has three grooved lines on top and one grooved line on each side. Carved standing on a circular pedestal with an incised triangular pattern all around the sides. Incised line patterns.
Iconographic Meaning
The bird looking back symbol, sankofa, is an Adinkra symbol of the proverb “return and fetch it,” has come to represent cultural re-foundation, or sankofatization, in contemporary Ghana and has gradually lost its original meaning as a proverb to become a symbol of pride in African and Black heritage throughout the world. It is used in connection with cultural, civic and political renewal. The symbol has been used for Akan/Asante gold weights, and references the idea of moving forward while continuing to be aware of your heritage, and is often associated with the proverb, “Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi," which translates to: "It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten."
Item History
- Made in Kumasi, Ghana
- Collected by Deborah Taylor between 1971 and 1972
- Owned by Deborah Taylor before 1972
- Received from Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation (Funding source) and Deborah Taylor (Seller) during 1972
What
- Name
- Figure
- Identification Number
- K2.368
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- wood
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and stained
- Overall
- height 9.5 cm, width 5.0 cm, depth 8.8 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Kumasi, Ghana
Who
- Culture
- Asante
- Field Collector
- Deborah Taylor
- Previous Owner
- Deborah Taylor
- Received from
- Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation (Funding source) and Deborah Taylor (Seller)
When
- Collection Date
- between 1971 and 1972
- Ownership Date
- before 1972
- Acquisition Date
- during 1972
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0200/0076
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