Do you know anything about African Writing systems? Well I did not until I began reading the book, Hidden in Plain View, by Tobin, Jacquline L. Ironically the writers and researchers of the book, are as usual not African, which for me as an African, is a bit of a shame.
If they are trying to decipher our symbols and signs then why shouldn't I? I have had this book on my device for over 5 years and never bothered to finish it, so over this Easter period I decided to find time to curl up and enjoy the fascinating information within. It is interesting to learn that many African textiles have coded messages embedded in them. Including Adire created by Yoruba women in Nigeria, Adinkra printed by Ashanti men in Ghana, Kuba cloth woven with rafia by men in Congo and Bogolanfini fabric printed by women in Mali to name a few, all carrying their own stories. Apparently some of the quilt patterns that exist in the Western world today, may have originated in Africa. Even though Africans who were enslaved in America could not read or write they retained in memory, the communication methods of their ancestors, which included unique writing systems, symbols, signs and stitch patterns. Retention of this knowledge came in handy for the enslaved. For according to this book, they stitched messages onto quilts using African signs and symbols understood only by those seeking a way to freedom through the Underground rail road. Well how smart! Let us continue to appreciate our African history and culture, and encourage our children to do the same. We, Africans, should be doing more research into our history and culture and writing our own history for future generations. We have to appreciate our very rich continent, and see how best we can use our resources to help ourselves and each other. We simply cannot remain a consumer only people and allow other nations to use Africans as guinea pigs and a dumping ground for rubbish goods. How can we start manufacturing our own goods from start to finish, cars planes trains etc. Would be nice to hear from African scientists and engineers. This book is an interesting eye opener for me, and I thank the authors. If you enjoy African art, history and culture this might be a good book for you. Would love to know what books you are reading.
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