Nsibidi was a mysterious and closely guarded secret script used by the rich powerful and influential men in Ekpe secret society in these areas.
It was employed in the form of pictograms and symbols. Nsibidi is akin to the heiroglyphics of ancient Egypt or Chinese ideograph. Nsibidi was in three forms, the first were not really secret or mystical they were common signs representing human affairs, relationships and communication. The second were more or less representing danger, extremities- they were dark signs. The third type were the very important signs and symbols of rank and rituals which were closely guarded secrets known only to initiates and their priests
Nsibidi scripts is seen on tomb stones of members, walls of Ekpe society buildings, carved on calabashes, drawn on ritual objects, costumes and textiles, on the ground, tattooed on the body. Today, Nsibidi is known as Anaforuana and still practiced by Abakua secret society members among black Cubans. These are descendant of Nigerians and Camerounian slaves who went there with the secret.
The development of this means of expression and decoration was hampered by colonialism and western religion. It has been the desire of many modern artist especially those of Nsukka Art School (who have work extensivly to dicpher Uli body decoration among the Igbos) to unearth the riches of this ancient human endeavour. Tony Nwachukwu, and late Okpu Eze.A before him and many others have worked hard at studying this indegenous means of writing.
Their works of art are made after the Nsibidi tradition. The trained eyes will read proverbs, folklore out of the works, while the untrained eyes will be thrilled by the intricate use of lines colours and forms.
The paintings:1) untitled batik work, 2) an untitled acrylic work by Tony Nwachukwu using Nsibidi scripts (call 2348035528317)
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