About
Kankisi is a design studio by Kankisi Apaak, West African-American jeweler, writer, and nonprofit creative director. Kankisi’s handmade, seasonal, one-of-one jewelry collections are made to last, slow curated with indiviudal knots between each bead. Every piece is a celebration in detail and intention, an ode to the journey in destination, and a reflection on the ancient life ritual of adorning oneself in gemstone jewelry.Ethos
Gemstones are more than aesthetic decadance; they are innate physical reminders of our past, present, and future. For every collection, Kankisi publishes a corresponding Lapidaria: a hand researched and complied archive of historical and physical gemstone information. The Lapidaria is a guide for intentional reverance and wear of every piece; a slice of knowledge that illuminates the intrinsic signifcance of each gem, connecting historical, physical, and metaphysical properties: a place to map your personal mythology against one of humanity’s most ancient artforms. As a logo, the Kankisi sanfoka heart is evocative of Ghanaian Adinkra symbology: decorative cultural symbols used to signify parables and ways of life. The sanfoka symbol is often paired with a phrase translated as “Go back and get it !“ Every collection will call on one Adinkra symbol as its’ principle guide, exploring the concept through design.
Policy
As is the nature with knotted beads, pieces must be strung tightly to ensure longevity and durability. Knotting beads can create a sublte texture in the finished product that will slowly fall out of the pieces with time, wear, or a very gentle tug. With roof of purchase, every Kankisi piece enjoys a lifetime warranty. Cover postage and handling costs to have any original piece repaired.
Email hello@kankisi.com