Syllabary Collection

NATI2A-00094
Cherokee alphabet developed by Sequoyah. Woodcut reproduction with a watercolor wash

Cherokee Alphabet, developed in 1821 (print)
PNP245304 Cherokee Alphabet, developed in 1821 (print) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; Peter Newark American Pictures; American, out of copyright

Cherokee Alphabet, from Pendeltons Lithography, 1835 (engraving)
BAL124537 Cherokee Alphabet, from Pendeltons Lithography, 1835 (engraving) (b&w photo) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; American, out of copyright

The Phaistos Disc (1/2)
The Phaistos Disc (also spelled Phaistos Disk, Phaestos Disc) is a disk of fired clay from the Minoan palace of Phaistos on the island of Crete

The Phaistos Disc (2/2)
The Phaistos Disc (also spelled Phaistos Disk, Phaestos Disc) is a disk of fired clay from the Minoan palace of Phaistos on the island of Crete

Babylonian clay tablet with text. 7th century BC. Table with syllabary
533073 Babylonian clay tablet with text. 7th century BC. Table with syllabary. by Babylonian, (7th century BC); Universal History Archive/UIG; out of copyright

The Cherokee Scholar, Sequoyah (1776-1843) (colour litho)
PNP245306 The Cherokee Scholar, Sequoyah (1776-1843) (colour litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Sequoya working out his alphabet (litho)
5198196 Sequoya working out his alphabet (litho) by Sheldon, Charles Mills (1866-1928) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sequoya working out his alphabet)

SEQUOYA (c1770-1843). Native American scholar with his printed Cherokee alphabet. American lithograph, 1836

Babylonian clay tablet with text. 7th century BC. Table with syllabary

SEQUOYA (1770?-1843). Native American scholar with his printed Cherokee alphabet. Wood engraving, American, 1870

PNAT2A-00019
Sequoya holding his Cherokee alphabet. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century portrait

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The syllabary, a system of writing that represents syllables rather than individual sounds or letters, has a rich history spanning across different cultures and time periods. One notable example is the Cherokee Alphabet, developed in 1821 by Sequoyah, a Native American scholar. His dedication to creating an efficient writing system for his people resulted in the creation of this unique syllabary. In 1835, Pendeltons Lithography produced an engraving showcasing the beauty and intricacy of the Cherokee Alphabet. This lithograph served as both a visual representation and educational tool for those interested in learning about this innovative writing system. Another fascinating artifact is The Phaistos Disc, discovered on the Greek island of Crete. Dating back to around 1700 BC, this disc features mysterious symbols arranged in a spiral pattern. Although its exact purpose remains unknown, some believe it may be an early form of syllabic script. Similarly, a Babylonian clay tablet from the 7th century BC displays another example of ancient syllabaries. This tablet showcases rows upon rows of carefully inscribed characters representing various syllables. It serves as evidence that even thousands of years ago, civilizations recognized the importance and power behind organizing language into distinct units. Sequoyah's dedication to preserving his culture through written language is evident in images depicting him working diligently on his alphabet. These wood engravings from 1870 capture his determination and passion for ensuring future generations could communicate effectively using their native tongue. From ancient times to modern innovations like Sequoyah's Cherokee Alphabet, these examples highlight how humans have continually sought ways to express themselves through written communication using various forms of syllabaries throughout history.