Nsibidi is an ancient system of graphic communication indigenous to the Ejagham peoples of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon in the Cross River region. It is also used by neighboring Ibibio, Efik and Igbo peoples. Aesthetically compelling and encoded, nsibidi does not correspond to any one spoken language. It is an ideographic script whose symbols refer to abstract concepts, actions or things and whose use facilitates communication among peoples speaking different languages.
Noitarumpujen kuviot Skandinaviassa
Noitarumpujen kuviot Skandinaviassa
The ceremonial drum is an important symbol for the Sami today. While it is no longer used for religious rituals, it is still central at e.g. protest marches and political events. Christian missionaries tried to exterminate the sami religion and shaman rites and erasing the drums was a key element in that. The drums and shaman ceremonies were banned. People insisting on their old ways were punished by law and the drums were burned or confiscated.