Rediscovering African History Through Ancient Writing Systems

The recent unveiling of objects showcasing the historic Sona writing system and women's roles in Zambian society is reshaping narratives about Africa's cultural heritage.

A wooden toolbox featuring the Sona writing system has taken social media by storm, symbolizing a resurgence of interest in Africa's rich cultural heritage. "Many believe that Africans lacked literacy, but in reality, we possessed unique ways of documenting our knowledge," Samba Yonga, co-founder of the Women's History Museum of Zambia, stated. This campaign aims to highlight women's pivotal roles in pre-colonial societies, restoring narratives that were overshadowed by colonialism.

Among the artifacts shared online is a beautifully adorned leather cloak that hasn't been seen in Zambia for over a century. "These treasures represent a significant yet mostly forgotten history," Yonga emphasized, noting how colonial influences have obscured women's contributions to culture and community. There is a growing movement to reconnect with cultural roots through various media, be it fashion, music, or research.

The Frame project showcases 50 objects from Zambia, each with insightful descriptions that reveal women as central figures in historical belief systems and environmental understanding. The initiative also critiques the way British colonialism altered perceptions of Zambian culture, misrepresenting local traditions and knowledge.

The project's journey began when Yonga discovered a wealth of Zambian artifacts in Sweden during a visit. This realization prompted collaboration with Michael Barrett from the National Museums of World Cultures, uncovering the extensive collection amassed by early Swedish explorers and ethnographers between the 19th and 20th centuries. Astonished by the depth of the collection, Yonga and co-founder Mulenga Kapwepwe explored the archives, discovering intricately made items such as reed baskets and traditional leather cloaks crafted from lechwe antelope hides.

One of Yonga’s personal highlights is the Sona writing system, an intricate collection of geometric patterns originating from the Chokwe, Luchazi, and Luvale peoples. These symbols conveyed complex messages about community, nature, and the cosmos, predominantly passed down through women. With enthusiasm, Yonga shared that the online posts about Sona have drawn significant attention, sparking renewed interest and conversation among many.

Further delving into Zambian women's histories, researchers revealed that traditional grinding stones, often viewed simply as kitchen tools, held profound significance. Rather than being passed to daughters, these stones were placed on the graves of the women who wielded them, symbolizing their essential role in community sustenance.

Established in 2016, the Women's History Museum of Zambia aims to document and celebrate indigenous knowledge and women's histories. Yonga likened their ongoing research to a treasure hunt, aspiring to piece together an incomplete historical puzzle. Her journey has profoundly impacted her identity and interaction with the world, a transformation she hopes to inspire in others through the Frame project.

As the world engages with this initiative, many are beginning to perceive Zambia's intricate cultural tapestry in a new light, providing a hopeful path toward restoring and honoring African heritage.