African writing systems

EGYPT: MEDU NETER
  • 1 Min Read

Medu Neter, also known as “Hieroglyphs,” is one of the earliest forms of writing, originating in ancient Egypt. The term “Medu Neter” translates to “words...

Continue Reading
NIGERIA: NSIBIDI
  • 2 Min Read

Nsibidi is an ancient writing system developed by the Ekpe society in southeastern Nigeria, primarily among the Igbo, Efik, and Ibibio people. It is unique...

Continue Reading
LIBERIA/SIERRA LEONE: BASSA VAH ALPHABET
  • 2 Min Read

The Bassa Vah alphabet is used to write Bassa, a Kru language spoken in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Its origins are obscure. Its name in...

Continue Reading
Editor’s Note

This website features a collection of articles largely from previously published volumes of the Encyclopaedia Africana, specifically the Encyclopaedia Africana Dictionary of African Biography, which highlights notable individuals from various regions of Africa. Please note that in these volumes, some names of people, towns, and countries were spelled differently than they are today. We have retained these historical spellings to preserve the integrity of the original publications. In some instances, the current spellings are also provided for easy reference.
Please report errors to: info@encyclopaediaafricana.com / research@encyclopaediaafricana.com

Support Encyclopaedia Africana

Help us create more content and preserve African knowledge. Your donation makes a difference! [Donate Now]

Working Hours

8:00am–4:30pm, Monday-Friday

Office Location

Campus of CSIR Airport Residential Area, Accra-Ghana

The Encyclopaedia Africana Project is an AU Flagship Project with the mission to produce and publish peer reviewed articles devoted mainly to Africa and its people.