Symbols

The African symbol language was not taught to common people and was reserved mostly for recording secret things. This form of communication is standard throughout all tribes in Africa and people from such widely separated tribes as the Zulus and the Lundas of Angola, who do not speak the same language at all, can still understand each other's symbol-writing.

Symbols tend to accumulate their meanings slowly, over hundreds of years. Like languages, their connotations reproduce along many branches, dividing, following a variety of routes according to their cultural context.

Many think that the symbols on artifacts and utilitarian items were for decorative purposes only, but they are wrong. Every little line, triangle or cross says something and conveys a message that the creator wishes either her lover or the outside world to know about him or her at the time when he or she was wearing it.