The word “Sankofa” comes from the language of the Akan tribe of Ghana. Loosely translated, Sankofa expresses the need to study our history in order to understand how we came to occupy the space we find ourselves in today. Sankofa is traditionally symbolized by the image of a bird with its feet facing forward and its head turned backward, looking behind it. It is this image that inspired the name and the logo of the Museu Sankofa Memória da Rocinha. The Museu Sankofa collects and digitalizes material concerning Rocinha and hosts periodic public events, including Chás do Museu (Museum Teas). Much of the Museu Sankofa’s work relies on partnerships with universities, non-profits organizations, and governmental entities.