Unearthing the Hidden Literacies of Zambia’s Cultural Heritage

A wooden toolbox inscribed with an ancient Zambian writing system, known as Sona, is at the forefront of an online campaign led by the Women’s History Museum of Zambia. Samba Yonga, co-founder of the museum, challenges stereotypical narratives claiming Africans lacked literacy. She emphasizes the importance of reviving cultural heritages often overlooked due to colonial histories. The 'Frame' project, which showcases 50 artifacts on social media, aims to highlight the often-ignored contributions of women in pre-colonial societies. Among the artifacts are stunning leather cloaks and tools, each narrating a rich visceral history connected to women’s roles in society.

Yonga and her co-founder, Mulenga Kapwepwe, have discovered a vast collection of Zambian cultural artifacts in a Swedish museum that remained dormant and unexamined. The project also introduces the ancient writing system Sona, used in various forms across communities, stressing its mathematical and cosmic significance. The revival of these historical connections seeks to empower Zambians and reconnect them with their cultural identities, reshaping perceptions about Africa’s scholarly inheritance.

By emphasizing collaboration with community elders and ongoing research, Yonga aims to inspire a broader recognition and appreciation of Zambia's complex cultural narratives, one post at a time.

This digital treasure hunt not only enriches heritage discourse but also transforms individual identities as Zambians reassess their historical context and social standing through the lens of their lost and reclaimed cultural legacies.