Material for the museum was originally compiled by the Ponto de Cultura Centro de Cultura e Educação Lúdica da Rocinha (Cultural Center Point of Playful Culture and Education of Rocinha).

One of the popular icons for 'Sankofa' is the image of a mythical bird standing with feet planted firmly facing forward and its head looking back as a guide for the future. The museum's creators hope that the collection will be of use in developing effective policies for future community development.