Sankofa Adinkra Symbol African Brass Pendant – Handmade in Ghana
$85.00
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Sankofa Adinkra Symbol African Brass Pendant – Handmade in Ghana
$85.00
Make Sankofa the focal point of the design. This oversized African brass pendant presents the recognizable backward-looking Sankofa bird against an elaborate circular field of concentric lines, framed by repeating spiral forms and an open triangular structure. Its substantial scale transforms the pendant from a simple jewelry component into a strong visual centerpiece.
Handcrafted in Ghana, the pendant reflects contemporary Ghanaian brasswork informed by established Akan material and visual traditions. The visible surface texture, dimensional bird motif, concentric decoration, openwork construction, and individually formed details preserve the character of skilled small-scale production rather than the uniform appearance of mass-manufactured components.
Sankofa is an Akan concept commonly expressed through the idea of returning to retrieve what has been forgotten or left behind. It teaches that knowledge and experience from the past can be recovered and used constructively in the present and future. The backward-looking bird is one of the best-known visual representations of this principle.
For jewelry designers, fashion designers, collectors, galleries, museum retail, cultural organizations, and wholesale buyers, this pendant combines scale, Ghanaian provenance, recognizable Adinkra identity, material presence, and design versatility. Use it as the dominant element in a statement necklace, mixed-material composition, display, textile work, or limited designer collection.
Unlike generic decorative brass pendants, this piece carries an identifiable cultural vocabulary: Sankofa → learning from the past → informed movement forward.
PRODUCT DETAILS
| Product Attribute | Product Information |
|---|---|
| Product | Oversized Sankofa Bird Adinkra Brass Pendant |
| Adinkra Symbol | Sankofa |
| Literal / Core Meaning | “Go back and get it” / return and retrieve valuable knowledge |
| Material | African Brass |
| Origin | Ghana |
| Cultural Tradition | Ghanaian / Akan Adinkra tradition |
| Technique / Style | Handcrafted brass work; exact casting process requires merchant verification |
| Shape / Form | Oversized triangular openwork pendant with central Sankofa Bird and spiral decoration |
| Color Family | Brass / Gold |
| Color | Warm golden brass |
| Finish | Textured, hand-finished brass surface; not represented as highly polished |
| Approximate Overall Dimensions | 118–120 mm × 118–120 mm × 132–137 mm, as supplied; dimensional labels require verification |
| Approximate Dimensions in Inches | 4.65–4.72 in × 4.65–4.72 in × 5.20–5.39 in |
| Approximate Thickness | 5.3–5.6 mm / 0.21–0.22 in |
| Ring / Bail Hole Size | Approximately 20–21.5 mm / 0.79–0.85 in |
| Approximate Quantity | 1 pendant |
| Large Hole / Bail | Yes |
| Handmade | Yes |
| Wholesale Availability | Wholesale-friendly; current inventory and commercial terms require store data |
| Weight | 6 oz |
CULTURAL & MATERIAL NOTE
Sankofa: Cultural, Social & Educational Context
Traditional / Cultural Meaning:
Sankofa is an Akan concept commonly translated as “go back and get it” or “return and retrieve it.” It expresses the idea that progress does not require abandoning valuable knowledge from the past.
The Sankofa Bird is typically represented with its head turned backward while the body remains oriented forward. This visual structure reinforces the principle of retrieving useful knowledge, lessons, history, or memory while continuing onward.
Ghanaian Brass Craftsmanship
This pendant is a contemporary handcrafted Ghanaian brass object informed by established local metalworking traditions. The open lattice framework, raised bird form, concentric spiral decoration, and textured bail demonstrate skilled material production and manual finishing.
Where lost-wax casting is used in Ghanaian brass production, artisans form a model in wax, prepare a mold around it, remove the wax through heating, introduce molten metal into the resulting cavity, and finish the cast form after cooling. The exact process used for this individual pendant should be merchant-verified before publishing a product-specific “lost-wax cast” claim.
HANDMADE VARIATION NOTICE
This pendant is handmade. Natural differences may occur among pieces in:
- overall shape
- dimensions
- thickness
- brass tone
- lattice spacing
- Sankofa Bird detailing
- spiral decoration
- surface texture
- finishing marks
- edge character
- bail shape
- bail-opening dimensions
These differences are consistent with handcrafted production. Variation should be expected when sourcing multiple pieces, but individual irregularities should not automatically be treated as proof of authenticity.
Required Product Disclaimer:
Please note that product colors and sizes may vary slightly due to their handmade nature. Don’t Eat! Our Beads are not edible and should be kept out of reach of children.
CARE & HANDLING
Keep the pendant dry when practical and wipe it gently with a clean, soft cloth after handling.
Store away from prolonged moisture, high humidity, abrasive objects, and chemicals that may change the brass surface. Natural brass may develop patina over time through interaction with air, moisture, skin oils, and environmental conditions.
Avoid aggressive polishing or harsh chemical cleaners unless the method is appropriate for brass and has first been tested cautiously on an inconspicuous area. Surface coatings or protective treatments for this specific pendant have not been supplied, so do not assume one is present.
For wearable applications, protect the pendant from repeated impact and select support materials appropriate for its actual measured weight.