UGRR Markings, Page 2

UGRR markings? page 2
This is page two of an examination of markings discovered during the renovation of a circa-1803 farmhouse in Chester County. For the beginning of this discussion, click here.
More Clues--the design	Aside from the text, the actual design also gives us some clues as to the meaning of the markings, and its origin. Please click the images above for large versions.
Face of a Fila?	If our hypothesis that the sentence "Fila bite the people" refers to the dog breed Fila Brasileiro, then it stands to reason that the image of a face within the central loop is that of a Fila. The drawing, however, only faintly resembles the head of this muscular hunting dog. Although the image shows what could be described as similar eyes and loose furrows of skin in the forehead, the ears are wrong and the overall image is too human-like. It almost seems to be an image of a demon. Whether the image is meant to portray the dog as demonic, or whether it portrays something or someone completely different is unknown.
Rams Horns-- the dwennimmen	The six curls beneath the loop closely resemble the curls of the West African dwennimmen, an Adinkra symbol for humility, strength, wisdom and learning. The traditional interpretation of this symbol tells us that strength must be drawn from the heart (wisdom and learning) rather than from inherent physical characteristics. Thus the ram, though he possesses strong horns, seldom uses them in anger (humility). In this context, the symbols may be saying that fugitives must use their wits to survive, rather than wage a futile physical fight. Note though that the dwennimmen is square, rather than stretched out in an undulating line as seen here.
Voudon symbolism	Although voudon ceremonies typically may involve symbols drawn in chalk, this image does not fit the ritualistic pattern. Traditional voudon symbols (veve) are highly complex, usually drawn on the floor, not on the wall. However some Haitian homes do have elaborate veve on the walls. Because of the tremendous variations in Voudon practice, this line of research is currently inconclusive.
Other notes	The sentence shows that at least one person was literate, a set of skills that varied in existence among fugitive slaves. The structure of the sentence suggests pidgin or Creole English, common among slaves brought to the United States from the Caribbean. Next page--the email chain \| more email
Your comments	We would like to obtain additional information regarding these markings, to prove or disprove their significance to Underground Railroad history. If you have information, comments or observations that you think are useful in helping to identify the markings, please email your comments to .

UGRR markings? page 2