Saki Mafundikwa: Ingenuity and elegance in ancient African alphabets

The video discusses the founding of the Zimbabwe Institute of Vigital Arts, aiming to create a new visual language rooted in African heritage. It explores various African writing systems, highlighting their historical significance. The video emphasizes Africa's rich design tradition and creative potential, urging designers to seek inspiration from within. It also covers Africa's contributions to civilization, including the invention of the alphabet, and calls for a renewed focus on African heritage in design.

What was the primary goal of the Zimbabwe Institute of Vigital Arts?

• To replicate Western design schools

• To create a new visual language based on African heritage

• To focus solely on digital media

• To teach traditional African crafts

Which symbol represents the idea of learning from the past in African writing traditions?

• Nsibidi

• Adinkra

• Sankofa

• Jokwe

What is unique about the writing system of the Vai people of Liberia?

• It uses geometric patterns

• It is a syllabary that reads from left to right

• It reads from right to left

• It is a pictographic system

Which African society's artistic tradition involves painting patterns on cloth that resemble musical scores?

• Ituri

• Bamum

• Zulu

• Ndebele

Which African leader is mentioned in relation to the development of a writing system?

• King Ibrahim Njoya

• Marcus Mosiah Garvey

• John Coleman Darnell

• Cheikh Anta Diop

What is the significance of the Wadi el-Hol inscriptions?

• They are the first known use of hieroglyphics

• They are considered humanity's first alphabet

• They are a modern artistic creation

• They depict the history of the Yoruba people

What does the speaker suggest African designers should do to enhance their creativity?

• Look inward for inspiration

• Adopt Western design principles

• Focus on digital media

• Collaborate with European artists