ancient methods of transmitting information typically include:

1. Oral Communication: Messages were passed through word of mouth, where people relayed important news, stories, or warnings from one person to another.


2. Town Criers: Villages often had town criers who announced information to the community using loud voices and instruments like gongs or drums to attract attention.


3. Drumming: Different types of drums communicated specific messages, often signaling gatherings, ceremonies, or warnings, especially in rural communities.


4. Fire Signals: Fire and smoke signals were used for long-distance communication, such as alerting neighboring communities of danger or significant events.


5. Drawing and Symbols: Drawings or symbols on cave walls, rocks, or special places represented events, cultural practices, or warnings, acting as a visual form of messaging.


6. Messengers: People would deliver messages by traveling between communities, carrying verbal or written information from one place to another.


7. Signs and Gestures: Hand signals, body language, and specific gestures were also essential for conveying messages without speech, especially for hunters and warriors.


8. Written Messages on Animal Skins or Leaves: Some communities recorded important messages by writing or marking animal skins, tree barks, or leaves, especially before the widespread use of paper.

• Town Criers (Onise iro)


• Talking Drums (Dùndún and Bàtá)


• Oral Tradition


• Ewi (Poetry and Chants)


• Aroko (Symbolic Communication)


• Fire and Smoke Signals


• Messengers (Alárìnjó)


• Divination Signs (Ifá)

1. Town Criers (Onise iro): Town criers, often appointed by community leaders, would deliver messages or announcements throughout villages using gongs or drums to attract attention.


2. Talking Drums (Dùndún and Bàtá): The Yoruba used talking drums, which could mimic the tones of the Yoruba language, to convey messages over distances. Drummers could relay complex messages, often about events, festivals, or emergencies.


3. Oral Tradition: Elders, community leaders, and griots (professional storytellers) shared important information, history, proverbs, and folklore verbally. This oral tradition preserved knowledge across generations.


4. Ewi (Poetry and Chants): Poetry and chants, often performed publicly, conveyed wisdom, moral lessons, and community news. Ewi allowed for storytelling and information sharing with cultural depth and resonance.


5. Aroko (Symbolic Communication): Aroko involved the use of symbolic objects, often wrapped or tied together, to convey messages. For instance, a specific number or type of kola nut could symbolize a greeting, peace, or an invitation.


6. Fire and Smoke Signals: For emergencies or to summon people quickly, Yoruba communities used controlled fires or smoke signals to communicate specific messages over long distances.


7. Messengers (Alárìnjó): Trusted individuals were designated to carry verbal messages between towns or villages, often on foot, and sometimes accompanied by symbolic items to authenticate the message.


8. Divination Signs (Ifá): Through Ifá divination, priests (Babalawo) interpreted signs and symbols believed to convey divine messages. While not a direct communication method, Ifá served as a spiritual medium for decision-making and guidance.

1. Town Criers (Mai Shela): Selected town criers announced news and information in marketplaces or central locations. They used loud voices to ensure everyone in the community could hear important messages.


2. Drums and Horns: Drums and horns communicated signals for events, ceremonies, or emergencies. Different rhythms or sounds conveyed specific messages across distances.


3. Oral Storytelling: Elders and leaders passed down knowledge, history, and cultural values verbally, ensuring that important information was preserved across generations.


4. Messenger System (Sako): Trusted individuals known as messengers traveled between villages, delivering messages verbally or in written form, often across long distances.


5. Fire and Smoke Signals: Controlled fires or smoke were used to send alerts to nearby communities, particularly in times of danger or for gatherings.


6. Symbolic Items: Certain items, like kola nuts or specific fabrics, were exchanged to represent messages, such as peace offerings, invitations, or declarations.


7. Praising Poets (Maroka): Poets praised leaders and narrated historical events, often in song or recitative form, to pass down achievements and values to the community.


8. Written Messages on Animal Skins or Leaves: Messages were documented on prepared animal skins or leaves, used to record agreements or information that needed to be preserved.

1. Town Criers (Onye Ogene): Designated individuals announced messages across villages using gongs or wooden instruments.


2. Talking Drums (Ikoro): Large slit drums, called Ikoro, were beaten to convey warnings, gatherings, or important news.


3. Oral Tradition: Elders and community leaders shared history, folklore, and messages verbally to educate and inform.


4. Aro-Ogbugbu (Symbolic Items): Items like kola nuts or alligator pepper conveyed messages, such as peace or welcome.


5. Fire and Smoke Signals: Smoke and controlled fires were used to send signals to nearby villages during emergencies.


6. Messengers: Trusted individuals were sent to deliver verbal or symbolic messages between distant communities.


7. Age Grade Announcements: Members of age-grade groups delivered specific news, often related to communal tasks or festivals.


8. Written Symbols on Uli and Nsibidi: Uli (body art) and Nsibidi (ancient symbols) were used to convey certain messages and mark important events.