NS4 | COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS BEANIE

THE SEVEN PRINICPLES

The Nguzo Saba, which translates to "Seven Principles" in Swahili, is a set of principles rooted in Pan-Africanism and African-American culture. They represent a daily code of conduct for the promotion of prosperity and longevity of African peoples around the world.

UJAMAA

Ujamaa, the fourth principle of the Nguzo Saba, means cooperative economics in Swahili. It emphasizes the importance of building and supporting community-owned businesses and enterprises. Ujamaa encourages individuals to pool their resources and talents for the collective economic empowerment of their community. This principle promotes self-reliance, economic independence, and the equitable distribution of wealth and resources. Ujamaa emphasizes the value of cooperative efforts in building sustainable and prosperous communities. It encourages people to prioritize the needs of the community over individual gain and to work together towards economic self-sufficiency and prosperity.

THE NSIBIDI SYMBOL

Nsibidi is a system of symbols indigenous to the Ejagham people of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon. It is one of the oldest forms of writing in West Africa, with origins dating back centuries. Nsibidi symbols are pictorial and ideographic, often representing concepts, objects, or ideas.

Originally used primarily by secret societies for communication and documentation, Nsibidi symbols gradually expanded in usage to include public communication, such as on pottery, textiles, walls, and even body art. Each symbol had its own specific meaning, and knowledge of Nsibidi was traditionally passed down orally within families or secret societies.

Nsibidi symbols cover a wide range of topics, including everyday objects, animals, plants, emotions, spiritual concepts, and more. Some symbols are straightforward and easily recognizable, while others are more abstract and require interpretation.

The use of Nsibidi declined over time due to colonial influences and the spread of Western education, but efforts have been made to preserve and revitalize this unique writing system in recent years. Today, Nsibidi continues to be studied by scholars and artists interested in African history, culture, and symbolism, serving as a valuable cultural heritage of the Ejagham people and broader African communities.