This authentic handcrafted Ashanti Mask, is called Sankofa, a popular Akan word meaning “go back and get it”. It expresses the importance of reaching back to knowledge gained in the past and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress. In this case it is represented by a bird with its head turned backwards whilst its feet face forward carrying a precious egg in its mouth. To the Akan tribe, wisdom learnt from the past is key in ensuring a strong future, hence there are so many traditions that honour their ancestors and look to them for guidance and direction.