Nsibidi: The Mysteries of a Long Lost Nigerian Language

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots” — Marcus Garvey

Long before the ships of the European Colonists came to the shores of West Africa, particularly parts of Nigeria and Cameroon, a linguistic treasure and a unique form of writing called Nsibidi was in use. Often referred to as a "secret script,". Nsibidi is comprised of logographic symbols, as words and morphemes, and an ideographic set-up, as such a representation of ideas and concepts. Nsibidi's origin is shrouded in mystery, believed to date back centuries, possibly even millennia. It is an ancient form of writing, besides the Egyptian heliography. Its precise origins remain elusive, with some theories suggesting this form of writing was notably used by the Uguakima and Ejagham (Ekoi) people of Nigeria and Cameroon. The Nsibidi was also used by the Ebe, Efik, Ibibio, Uyanga, and Igbo People (particularly, Abiriba, Edda, Afikpo, Bende, and Arochukwu).

Akpanya stone at Alok-Ikom monoliths PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN CLEMENT

According to archaeological findings of ceramic artefacts with such inscriptions on them, Nsibidi dates between at least ‪4000-5000‬ BCE; totally devoid of Arabic and Latin precursors. It also appeared on walls, buildings, calabashes, swords, brassware, masquerade costumes, wood and bronze carvings, human skin and tattoos and textiles. However, some unique Ikom, Nigeria monoliths with Nsibidi writings were found to date back to 2000 BC. This makes it one of the oldest written languages in world history and emphatically refutes the idea that oral tradition was the only means of communication employed by Africans—Nigerians in this case—before the advent of colonisation.

This form of writing was used to document history, instructions, values, and meetings. Historian and Revered J.K Macgregor said in his work, “The use of Nsibidi is that of ordinary writing. I have in my possession a copy of the record of a court case from the town of Enion [Enyong] taken down in it, and every detail … is most graphically described”.

What sets Nsibidi apart is its visual complexity and adaptability. Consisting of hundreds of symbols, each with its own unique meaning, Nsibidi was a versatile language capable of expressing a wide array of concepts and ideas. Its symbols ranged from simple geometric shapes to more elaborate representations of animals, plants, and human figures. However, unlike traditional alphabets, Nsibidi was not standardized across communities, allowing for regional variations and personal interpretations.

Despite its significance, Nsibidi gradually fell into obscurity with the advent of colonialism and the imposition of Western education systems. As European powers exerted their influence over Nigeria, indigenous languages and cultural practices were suppressed in favor of European languages and alphabets. Nsibidi, once a means of communication and cultural identity, began to fade from memory, preserved only in obscure texts and fading memories.

Also, as imperialism and slavery took root in Africa, through the Atlantic Slave Trade, Nsibidi was exported by the African slaves to the Caribbean where it developed into the anaforuana and veve symbols and can be found till date in Cuba, Venezuela, Jamaica, Haiti, and even Brazil. Little wonder a 23 year old Jordan Williams( Nsibidi lexicographer) born in Texas who has never visited Africa in his life have a good knowledge of the language. He has been seen translate peoples native names into Nsibidi language, and currently working on a project to create Nsibidi keyboard.

While recent history claims that the Nsibidi language and writing is almost going extinct, it has been recognised too that some clans and tribes in Eastern Nigeria, mainly the Efik, Ibibio, Ohafia, Abiriba, Arochukwu, and even Southern reaches of Cameroon still use this esoteric, mystical language as a communication format through the societal fraternity known as Ekpe.

There has been a renewed interest in Nsibidi and efforts to revive this ancient script. Scholars, linguists, and cultural enthusiasts have embarked on journeys to decipher its meanings and preserve its legacy for future generations.

Today, Nsibidi stands as a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage, a through definition to the enduring spirit of Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups. Its revival not only enriches our understanding of Nigeria's past but also provides a bridge to connect present generations with their ancestral roots. As efforts to preserve and promote Nsibidi continue to gain momentum, it is hoped that this ancient language will once again take its rightful place as a vibrant expression of Nigerian identity and cultural pride.