Sankofa Bird Ghana Brass Pendant – Oversized Adinkra Statement Focal
Make Sankofa the cultural and visual center of a statement composition. This oversized African brass pendant measures approximately 116.5–118 mm × 130–132 mm (4.59–4.65 × 5.12–5.20 inches) and weighs approximately 6.5 oz / 184 g, creating substantial presence for jewelry, fashion, mixed-media, display, and collection-based applications.
The photographed design features the recognizable Sankofa bird form, its head turned backward while its body remains oriented forward. The raised bird sits over an intricate crosshatched open lattice, with linear accents reinforcing the composition and concentric spiral discs forming a decorative perimeter. A broad textured bail completes the design. The warm brass-gold surface retains visible handcrafted character rather than a uniformly polished finish.
Made in Ghana, the pendant draws upon the Akan Adinkra tradition. The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art describes Sankofa as loosely translated as “go back and fetch it,” conveying the principle of learning from the past in order to move forward. The Smithsonian also documents both the backward-looking bird and another heart-like form as visual expressions of Sankofa.
This meaning gives the pendant relevance beyond ornament without assigning supernatural properties to the object. For jewelry designers, brands, bead stores, collectors, museums, galleries, educational institutions, and wholesale buyers, the piece combines Ghanaian provenance, recognizable Adinkra symbolism, substantial scale, and dimensional brasswork in a focal component suited to deliberate statement design.
PRODUCT DETAILS
| Product Attribute | Product Information |
|---|---|
| Product | Oversized Sankofa Bird Adinkra Brass Pendant – Lattice Design |
| Adinkra Symbol | Sankofa |
| Meaning / Translation | Commonly rendered “Go back and fetch it”; the principle of learning from the past to inform the future |
| Material | African Brass |
| Origin | Ghana |
| Cultural Tradition | Akan / Ghanaian Adinkra tradition |
| Technique / Style | Handcrafted Ghanaian brasswork; exact casting process requires merchant verification |
| Shape / Form | Broad triangular form with raised backward-looking Sankofa bird, crosshatched lattice field, linear accents, spiral perimeter elements, and top bail |
| Color Family | Brass / Gold |
| Color | Warm brass-gold |
| Finish | Natural artisan brass appearance with visible handcrafted surface variation |
| Approximate Overall Dimensions | 116.5–118 mm × 130–132 mm |
| Approximate Dimensions in Inches | 4.59–4.65 in × 5.12–5.20 in |
| Approximate Thickness | Not provided |
| Ring / Bail Hole Size | Approx. 20–22 mm / 0.79–0.87 in |
| Approximate Quantity | 1 piece |
| Large Hole / Bail | Yes — approx. 20–22 mm |
| Handmade | Yes |
| Wholesale Availability | Wholesale friendly; current inventory requires verification |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 oz / 184 g |
Measurement Note: Confirm which supplied measurement represents width and which represents height before publishing those labels.
CULTURAL & MATERIAL NOTE
Sankofa Within the Akan Adinkra Tradition
Traditional / Cultural Meaning
Sankofa expresses the principle of returning to retrieve knowledge from the past so that it can inform the present and future. The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art translates it loosely as “go back and fetch it.”
A related Akan proverb is commonly translated along the lines of “it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot.” Smithsonian sources connect Sankofa directly with this principle of retrieving knowledge that might otherwise be lost.
The photographed pendant uses the Sankofa bird form: a bird whose body moves forward while its head turns backward. The Smithsonian identifies the backward-looking bird as one of the well-known visual forms of Sankofa.
HANDMADE VARIATION NOTICE
Handcrafted production may result in variation in:
- Overall shape
- Dimensions
- Thickness
- Brass tone
- Surface texture
- Lattice spacing
- Openwork formation
- Sankofa bird details
- Decorative alignment
- Spiral elements
- Surface and tool marks
- Edge finishing
- Bail/hole dimensions
These variations are expected in handcrafted production. Individual irregularities should not automatically be presented as proof of authenticity.
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.
AADAMPO RESPONSIBLE AI DISCLOSURE
AI-Enhanced Visual & Product Content | Real Product Representation | Reviewed using Afrigmatic Representation Integrity™ principles.
Aadampo utilizes responsible AI tools to assist with product presentation while maintaining accurate representation of authentic handcrafted products. Final review is conducted to preserve cultural authenticity, artisan integrity, and customer trust.
CARE & HANDLING
- Keep dry when possible.
- Wipe gently with a clean, soft cloth after handling.
- Store away from prolonged moisture and excessive humidity.
- Natural brass may develop surface patina over time.
- Protect the raised Sankofa bird and open latticework from crushing, bending, or snagging.
- Avoid abrasive contact with harder components during storage.
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners unless suitable for brass and first tested in an inconspicuous area.
- Do not assume the pendant has lacquer, plating, or another protective coating unless confirmed.
- Support the pendant appropriately in finished designs because of its substantial size and weight.