This collection is inspired by Nsibidi - A lost script of Africa

A very long time ago, long before the arrival of colonists to the shores of Biafra land, in present-day southeast Nigeria, they had Nsibidi - a system of writing that has thousands of symbols.
Besides the use of the signs and symbols in wall designs, metals, and fabrics, Nsibidi was also used for documentation of court cases and for general communication purposes.
Nsibidi was transported to Cuba and Haiti via the transatlantic slave trade, where it developed into the anaforuana and veve symbols.
This ancient script has experienced a tremendous decline in appreciation and use resulting from the colonial emphasis on Western education and Christian conversation which claim that Nsibidi is demonic and shouldn’t be encouraged.


Consequently, this very important part of our history and ancient civilization is almost lost. One can only wonder what would have been if Nsibidi was embraced and integrated into modern day society...
Did you know that the Wakanda writing system shown in the 2018 Marvel film Black Panther was inspired by Nsibidi?

The story of Nsibidi, a story of a disrupted civilization, must be told!
With this collection, we wish to explore the application of Nsibidi through designs, storytelling and aesthetics.
We visit the past so to inform our present and build a future for us and the next generation.
Marcus GarveyA people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
We have chosen the following Nsibidi symbol for this collection:
This is a visual presentation of the relationship between humans and the earth using two Nsibidi symbols: “This land is all mine” and “Water”.
We are in the middle, our actions or inactions impact the environment and the lives of others. What do we do when we find ourselves in a position of power, do we build up or destroy?
We are all connected and can only thrive when we act in solidarity with one another and take care of the environment.


With this pattern we explore the various journeys of the African diaspora using three different Nsibidi symbols - “Water”, “Journey” and “King/Royalty”.
We examine our point of departure, which could recent or long before the transatlantic slavery era.
Who were we, how has our journey through air, land and sea shaped who we have become?