Last week, we talked about books that show how kids live in Africa. This week, we’re looking at something just as fascinating—the ancient scripts Africans used to write down their stories, ideas, and history. We often imagine the English ABCs or Latin letters when we think about the alphabet. But long before colonial influences, Africa had a rich literary history of its own! Africa's rich linguistic legacy is demonstrated by the Nsibidi script of Nigeria, the Adinkra symbols of Ghana, and the Ge'ez script of Ethiopia. For centuries, people have recorded history, passed down wisdom, and told stories using African writing systems. These ancient African scripts are symbols of art, history, and culture rather than merely letters. Let’s explore a few that can spark curiosity in young minds! 

Nsibidi: A Southeastern Nigerian Secret

In southeast Nigeria, the Ekpe secret society used the Nsibidi script long before modern alphabets. This writing style, which is also known as nsibiri, nchibiddi, or nchibiddy, makes use of pictograms—symbols that resemble objects—and ideograms—symbols that represent ideas. Not only were these symbols used for writing, but they were also incorporated into artwork, apparel, and even body art!

For children, nsibidi is an ideal way to introduce the power of symbols because it is frequently used to convey secret messages. Various ethnic groups can communicate because Nsibidi does not correspond to a single spoken language. Nsibidi symbols have been discovered on artifacts and ceramics from 400 to 1400 CE. History was recorded, morals were taught, and disputes were settled using Nsibidi. The fact that Nsibidi has made appearances in popular culture, like the Black Panther film, shows how important it is to culture.

Based on the ancient Nsibidi language system, Black Panther's tribute to Chadwick Boseman is written in Wakandan. Source: Screenrant

 Adinkra: Wisdom in Symbols

The Akan people use visual symbols called Adinkra, which originated in Ghana. These images stand for ideas, such as unity, bravery, or knowledge, proverbs, and historical occurrences. They are like a secret language of wisdom. While learning these symbols, children can enjoy learning about traditional African values. Even art and storytelling are taught in some schools using Adinkra!  

Adinkra symbols were first used by royalty in the Ashanti kingdom (17th to 19th century). Each Adinkra symbol has its meaning and is often associated with proverbs and ideas related to life and the natural world. The Sankofa symbol, for instance, stands for historical learning. To create designs, a calabash gourd was carved with patterns, and the print was then stamped onto a piece of colorful fabric.

These days, Adinkra symbols are used to express cultural identity and deliver messages on apparel, jewelry, and home décor.

Adinkra design printed on fabrics. Source: Dooredasi

Ge’ez: The Living Script of Ethiopia

One of the most resilient writing systems in Africa that is still in use today is the Ge'ez script, an ancient African alphabet! It is the writing system used for the Ethiopian and Eritrean languages of Tigrinya and Amharic. Unlike many other ancient scripts that have been lost to time, Ge'ez is still in use today, allowing children to be connected to a long history of African literacy. 

Ge’ez evolved from the Ancient South Arabian script around the 5th century BCE; initially an abjad (writing only consonants), it became an abugida (syllabary) by the 4th century CE under Christian influence. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church and other religious communities continue to use Ge'ez as their liturgical language, despite the fact that it was no longer spoken by the 13th century.

Beyond liturgy, languages like Tigrinya and Amharic are written in Ge'ez script. Ethiopian artists of today are also influenced by its aesthetic appeal. Ge'ez is written from left to right, unlike other Semitic scripts. Its alphabet includes over 500 symbols adapted for various languages.

Ge’ez Keyboard Layout based on QWERTY. Source: Alternate Script Bureau

Why Teach Kids About African Alphabets?

Children who learn about ancient African scripts come to understand that history is alive in symbols, patterns, and traditions rather than just books. It helps kids connect with their African heritage, develop cultural literacy, and have fun while learning!  

Cultural literacy: Children who learn about scripts like Nsibidi, Adinkra, and Ge'ez are better able to recognize and value Africa's rich cultural legacy.

Imagination: These eye-catching alphabets inspire kids to decipher symbols or even invent their own visual language.

Displacing Preconceived Ideas: Teaching children about Africa's ancient writing systems dispels the myth that literacy arrived in Africa as a result of colonization.

Visual Learning: The pictorial nature of Nsibidi and Adinkra makes learning engaging and accessible for young children.

For children, these alphabets are more than just writing systems; they are windows into identity, creativity, and history.

Why not introduce a child to these amazing symbols today?