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by Kevin J. Hales (Author)
Nsibidi: The Markings and Movements of Ancient Africa explores the vast and often unacknowledged realm of African writing systems, particularly the Nsibidi script used by the Ekpe and Mgbe societies. The volume explores the historical, cultural, and communicative significance of Indigenous African scripts and their role in documentation, tradition, and artistic expression, challenging colonial narratives that have historically minimized or overlooked Africa's rich written heritage.
This text begins with a literature review that sets the historical context, followed by research methods that blend ethnography with communication studies. It discusses the practical uses of writing in rituals, performance, and visual art, providing a diversified view on African scripts as a means of cultural and historical transmission. The exploration in the book is supported by interviews and field observations to enhance the learning experience.
Nsibidi is an essential resource for courses exploring African studies, anthropology, history, and communication studies. It's an ideal introductory text, facilitating a better understanding of African scripts beyond oral traditions and the significant contributions they have made to the recording and preservation of knowledge, culture, and identity across the continent before colonial influences.
