Nsibidi, also known as Nsibiri, is an ancient writing script that dates back to the fourth century. It is peculiar to the Cross River region in Nigeria and can be traced largely to the Ibibios, Efiks and Arochukwus in Nigeria’s South South and South East regions. Samuel Gregory Effiong, a senior lecturer at the University of Calabar’s Department of Fine and Industrial Arts, told me the writing script originally had about 500 symbols, but has since increased to over 1,000 due to the influence of Nsibidi enthusiasts, some of whom have gone on to create neo-Nsibidi. Neo-Nsibidi simplifies and expands Nsibidi, attempting to alphabetize the script, to ensure easier usage in modern times.
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