Nsibidi - The Lost Script of The Nigerian Culture

About Nsibidi

The history of Nsibidi is a fascinating one.


Before colonization, the people of the Northern Cross River in Nigeria had developed a unique form of ideographic writing called Nsibidi. The primitive secret writing spread throughout the region and was adopted by other cultures and art forms, such as the Igbo uri or uli graphic design.

Nsibidi was described in the colonial period as a way of passing messages and was "cut or painted on split palm stems". Although there are hundreds of nsibidi symbols, some authors postulated that they were taught to choose secret groups exuding power and authority. Legend even has it that the writings were taught by baboons.

Many of the signs are about love affairs; those about warfare and the sacred are kept hidden.
Nsibidi was also exported to Caribbean islands such as Cuba, Jamaica, Venezuela, and Haiti as part of the transatlantic slave trade. The colonial emphasis on Western education and Christian conversation, which claim that Nsibidi is demonic and should not be encouraged, has resulted in a significant decline in appreciation and use of this ancient script.

 

THE SYMBOLS AND MEANING

Even if a significant portion of our past and old civilization is on the verge of extinction, we choose to tell stories from our past history, origin, and culture through classic product design, storytelling, and aesthetics.


Our goal at AFA Sports is to use our medium to highlight a beautiful list of African languages in their art form and bring attention to our history.

 

EXPLORE THE NSIBIDI COLLECTION 

Sunday,Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday
January,February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November,December
Not enough items available. Only [max] left.
Add to WishlistBrowse WishlistRemove Wishlist
Shopping cart

Your cart is empty.

Return To Shop

Add Order Note Edit Order Note
Estimate Shipping
Add A Coupon

Estimate Shipping

Add A Coupon

Coupon code will work on checkout page