The siglas poveiras ([ˈsiɣlɐʃ pɔˈvɐjɾɐʃ], "Póvoa signs") or marcas poveiras ("Póvoa marks") is a proto-writing system that has been used by the local community of Póvoa de Varzim in Portugal for many generations.
The siglas were primarily used as a signature for family coat-of-arms in order to mark family belongings. The symbols were normally written using a razor on wood, but painting on boats and beach sheds was also a common practice.
The purpose of the siglas was to record history and thus they have been ascribed as comprising Póvoa's "writing system". However, the siglas do not record sounds or specific words, and so are not considered true writing.
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