With origins in the Ekpe secret society, Agụ Display brings the ancient mystique of Nsibidi symbols to life with inspiration from a rich West African heritage, extending from Cross River to Cameroon.
Before exploring Agu Display as a typeface, I spent about 2 years visually exploring the Nsibidi writing system, you can see some of my Nsibidi experiments here.
I led the project with the guidance of the Google Fonts team and it got released in 2025, the typeface features stylistic influences from the popular Kablammo and Jokerman fonts with decorative influences from Nsibidi and Neo-Nsibidi.
With contributions from Nathan Willis, Travis Kochel, Lizy Gershenzon, Agyei Archer and Jordan Williams, special thanks to Lotanna Igwe-Odunze, Dave Crossland, Thomas Phinney, Nhung Nguyen, Rainer Erich Scheichelbauer and Uchechukwu Arinze
Website designed by Studio Null
Copywriting by Ogonna ‘Maranatha’ Nnaemeka.
Glyph Construction
Agụ Display has three decorative styles; Ụzọ, Àlà and Osisi inspired by Nsibidi pictograms and interpolate in a Morph Substitution Axis.
Uzo Master
The Ụzọ Style is predominantly decorated with the Nsibidi symbol for Road (Ụzọ) and Human (Madu), with some characters inspired by the Snake (Agwọ) with the Sword (Ọpịa) symbol being used selectively on terminals in a similar manner as serifs. This style feels visually modern and contemporary.
Ladders - Ladder-like decorations running within and unique to the Ụzọ master. They occur as either vertical, horizontal or curved decorations. They are a direct connotation of the Nsibidi pictogram for road or way (Ụzọ) and move around in a slow, sweeping motion.
Chevron (Sword) - These are decorations that occur at terminals in different forms across all the styles in horizontal or chevron-shaped decorations. The Ụzọ style features a form inspired by the Nsibidi pictogram for sword (Ọpịa).
Osisi Master
The Osisi style is predominantly decorated with the Nsibidi symbol for Tree (Osisi) riddled throughout the font style, with some characters inspired by the Leopard (Agụ) with Wing/Pigeon (Nku) being used selectively on terminals in a similar manner as serifs. this style feels fierce and full of charisma.
Bristles - These are double or triple parallel strokes unique to the Osisi style that decorate the stems rather than the terminals alone. They are inspired by the Nsibidi symbols for tree (osisi) and leopard (agụ). They move in a swaying motion like leaves on a tree.
Bones - Occurring in all three styles, these bone-like decorations are inspired by the Nsibidi pictogram for Elder/Chief and morph to form the pictogram representing Land (Àlà) in the other two styles.
Chevron (Wing) - These are decorations that occur at terminals in different morphing forms across all the styles in horizontal or chevron-shaped decorations. The Osisi style features a chevron-shaped form inspired by the Nsibidi pictogram for Wing (Nku).
Àlà Master
The Àlà style is predominantly decorated with the Nsibidi symbols for Elder/Chief (Mazi/Īchie) and Zero (Efu) being used selectively on terminals in a similar manner as serifs. Àlà (Ground) reflects the flat nature of the terminals. This style feels visually sturdy and gentle.
Kebab - Reminiscent of a perfect kebab stick, these decorations are unique to the Àlà master and feature diagonal or horizontal lines running along the style. The Kebab is a direct connotation of the Nsibidi pictogram for Zero (Efu).
Bones - Occurring in all three styles, these bone-like decorations are inspired by the Nsibidi pictogram for Elder/Chief and morph to form the pictogram representing Land (Àlà) in the other two styles.
Chevron (Ground) - These are decorations that occur at terminals in different morphing forms across all the styles in horizontal or chevron-shaped decorations. The Àlà style features a form inspired by the Nsibidi pictogram for Ground (Àlà).
All three Masters interpolate between each other in a Morph Substitution Axis.
I also created a set of customizable stickers for Agu Display using a blend of Generative AI alongside traditional visual design techniques.
You can check out these stickers on Agudisplay.com, they are editable and exportable, I would love to see what you do with them.
