This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2024) |
The siglas poveiras (European Portuguese: [ˈsiɡlɐʃ pɔˈvɐjɾɐʃ], lit. 'Póvoa signs') or marcas poveiras (lit. 'Póvoa marks') are a proto-writing system used by the local community of Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal, for many generations.
The siglas poveiras were primarily used as signatures for family coat of arms to mark family belongings. The symbols were typically carved into wood using a razor, though painting them on boats and beach sheds was also a common practice.
The purpose of the siglas poveiras was to record history, leading them to be described as Póvoa's "writing system." However, since the siglas do not represent sounds or specific words, they are not considered a true writing system.