logo design by Wynton Callender

The symbol that accompanies Kakuyon Stronghold is the combination of two. The symbols are ADINKRA. Passed down through the generations, these symbols originally were printed on the cloth of King Adinkra (West Afrika, present day Ghana) and had special, secretive meanings.

Eventually gaining popularity, these symbols are still printed on cloth today in Ghana. This cloth is worn for special occasions and celebrations and the meanings are no longer unknown.

The top symbol, SANKOFA, is that of a bird looking back at its tail. The meaning of this symbol is “go back and fetch”. It symbolizes stretching back into history to learn from our shared past. “It is not wrong to go back and get something forgotten if it is necessary to continue the journey”.

The bottom symbol, HWEHWEMUDUA, is the symbol of a measuring stick. HWEHWEMUDUA represents the act of examining and critical analysis. HWEHWEMUDUA embodies the idea of knowledge lending itself to quality, excellence and perfection in all the ways that we, as humans, produce and interact. Together these two symbols speak of the vision of Tiki Mercury-Clarke and her fight to craft and create an atmosphere of inclusivity and authenticity in a world that is confused and has erased the history of so many of its inhabitants. All of Kakuyon Stronghold’s performances and products embody and deliver this vision.