Nsibidi is an ancient script used to communicate
in various languages in West Central Africa. Most notably used by the Uguakima
and Ejagham (Ekoi) people of Nigeria and Cameroon, Nsibidi is also used by the
nearby Ebe, Efik, Ibibio, Igbo, and Uyanga people. The script is believed to
date back to 5000 BC, but the oldest archaeological evidence ever found dates
it to 2000 BC (monoliths in Ikom, Nigeria). Similar to the Kemetic Medu Neter,
Nsibidi is a system of standardized pictographs. In fact, both Nsibidi and Medu
Neter share several of the exact same characters.
in various languages in West Central Africa. Most notably used by the Uguakima
and Ejagham (Ekoi) people of Nigeria and Cameroon, Nsibidi is also used by the
nearby Ebe, Efik, Ibibio, Igbo, and Uyanga people. The script is believed to
date back to 5000 BC, but the oldest archaeological evidence ever found dates
it to 2000 BC (monoliths in Ikom, Nigeria). Similar to the Kemetic Medu Neter,
Nsibidi is a system of standardized pictographs. In fact, both Nsibidi and Medu
Neter share several of the exact same characters.
West
Africans who previously had not used phonetic script traditions, such as Roman
or Arabic, found them to be powerful modes of communication.
Africans who previously had not used phonetic script traditions, such as Roman
or Arabic, found them to be powerful modes of communication.
There
are traces of Arabic influences in it, which may indicate a reminder of the
influence of the old empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
are traces of Arabic influences in it, which may indicate a reminder of the
influence of the old empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.