The work of women graphic designers is not often represented in Cuban poster art. Gladis Acosta is among the notable exceptions. Here Acosta uses the stylistic device of turning the lettering of 'Africa' into a spear. Many Cuban graphic designers incorporated the motif of weapons to symbolise the violent result of political abuse. Even the type of weapon portrayed a political significance; spears, bayonets, arrows and other 'crude' weaponry were typically associated with native revolutionaries while 'sophisticated' missiles and aircraft were used to represent imperialist forces. Barbed wire was also repeatedly used in African solidarity posters as a symbol of stringent oppression, a barrier to be overcome. Within the OSPAAAL solidarity series, spears are also the primary feature in graphics for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Vietnam.