Zimbabwean designer, Batsirai Madzonga has launched his new Google font, Sankofa Display, as part of Google’s initiative to commission African designers for Google Fonts.
The Sankofa project was originally created to inspire creatives around the world to embrace their culture.
Sankofa is a Twi word from the Akan Tribe of Ghana that translates to, “Return and get it, learn from the past.” This is the ethos behind not only the typeface itself, but the designs it inspires, and the culture it represents. Sankofa Display draws inspiration from African art styles, with a focus on straight-line geometric designs.
Inspiration
African clay pot
Sankofa Display, a pan-African typeface, finds its inspiration in the geometric art prevalent across the continent. Rooted in African heritage, the typeface harmonizes straight lines with circles and dots, mirroring the intricate patterns seen in everyday items like the Zimbabwean clay pot. Growing up surrounded by these designs, I drew influence from their geometric precision.
Zimbabwe bird
This stone-carved bird is the national emblem of Zimbabwe, appearing on the national flag and coats of arms. The hungwe, Zimbabwean bird, contributes to the typeface with its intricate geometric motifs found at the base of the sculptures.
Zulu bead work & art
The vibrant Zulu traditional patterns add a colorful palette, creating a visually captivating and culturally resonant typeface that celebrates Africa’s geometric heritage in a concise and impactful manner.
The font set is found on:
https://fonts.google.com/?query=Sankofa
<p>The post Zimbabwean launches new Google font, Sankofa Display to celebrate African design first appeared on Dandaro Online.</p>
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