NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbols cover this captivating throne ottoman by Abdul Karim Star. The central image represents sankofa, meaning "go back to your roots," a message conveyed through the form of a bird with its head tilted backwards. On either side, sweeping curves symbolize sharp blades of blue steel, the Adinkra symbol known as Akofena. It means "Sword of Honor;" the imagery comes from crossed swords used for generations on the heraldic shields of Ghana. Thus the symbol represents the legitimate authority of the state. Artisan Info: "My name is Abdul Karim Star, and I was born in the northern region of Ghana in 1966. Unfortunately, when I was four years old my parents divorced and my father decided to send me to Accra. I stayed with my uncle, called Mahama Wamzah who performed ritual circumcisions as well as being a beautician. Initially, I stayed with my uncle roaming the streets of Ayalolo until, one day, my uncle sent me to the Ayalolo Timber market school in 1973 where I begun my education. "During my eighth year with my uncle, I realized that schooling was becoming difficult for me, both financially and intellectually. I often had to stay home from school because my uncle could not afford the tuition. During one of these long absences from school, I made the
