Artwork by IROKO workshop participant

“I have learnt that symbols are as powerful as words and how important it is to retain one’s culture.”

Participant at IROKO ‘Speaking Without Words’ project

Despite the common presence of African symbols and pictographs in museums and modern African/Western designs, patterns, arts and artefacts, the messages conveyed through this non-verbal communication medium are not often understood.

The African Symbols and Pictographs workshop will introduce participants to various African non-verbal communication symbols and pictographs e.g. Adinkra, Nsibidi, Uli, Aroko, etc.  Participants will learn the meanings of the symbols and pictographs and how they are used in historical, social and contemporary contexts to communicate or form ideas.  The hands-on workshop will inspire participants to use African and other non-verbal communication symbols and pictographs to communicate ideas, feelings, emotions and moods through colouring, drawing or design activities.

Benefits include:

• Enhanced confidence and communication skills, especially for participants with language and communication difficulties.
• Enhanced ability in colouring, drawing, painting and design.
• Enhanced ability to use non-verbal means to communicate ideas, feelings, emotions and moods.
• Enhanced knowledge and understanding of African non-verbal communication means and their historical, cultural and contemporary contexts.