IGBO SCRIPT BEFORE COLONIALISM – NSIBIDI: The Ancient Writing System You May Not Know!

IGBO SCRIPT BEFORE COLONIALISM – NSIBIDI: The Ancient Writing System You May Not Know!

Long before Europeans arrived with books and pens, our ancestors already had a way of writing and recording important messages.

Nsibidi is an ancient system of symbols once used by the Igbo, Efik, and other southeastern peoples. It wasn’t just ordinary writing—it was full of meaning, used for love letters, secret messages, spiritual rituals, and even justice systems.

Many of the symbols were used by secret societies like Ekpe, and some messages could only be understood by those initiated. Nsibidi wasn’t written on paper alone—it was carved into walls, written on cloth, pottery, and even the skin!

Examples of Nsibidi symbols:

ᓚ = Love or affection

ᓬ = Meeting or agreement

ᓴ = War or conflict

ᓱ = Justice or judgment

ᓰ = Wealth or prosperity

These symbols are just a few from a deep and powerful tradition. Sadly, much of Nsibidi was pushed aside during colonialism—but it’s not lost. Artists, historians, and cultural leaders are now bringing it back to life.

Did you know this script existed? Should we bring Nsibidi back into our culture and schools?

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