Baybayin
OriginPhilippines
Earliest1300
TypeAbugida
About Baybayin
The pre-colonial writing of the Philippines, recorded by Spanish chroniclers in the 1600s. Three vowels and 14 consonants, each with an inherent a canceled by a mark above. Written in flowing curves without word breaks. Early Filipinos signed legal documents with it beside Spanish signatures. Enjoying a revival in tattoos, art, and national identity debates.
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