Sankofa

Sankofa is an adinkra symbol from the Akan people of Ghana. The symbol is based on a mythical bird with its head turned backwards. This reflects the Akan belief that the past serves as a guide for planning the future, or the wisdom in learning from the past in building the future. This mythical bird first appeared in Kemetic (Egyptian) lore with the name Bennu. The ancient Egyptians ( and Greeks afterwards) described this mythical bird called the Phoenix as a magnificent creature that was a symbol of renewal and rebirth.