How Tortoise Got His Bumpy Shell

How Tortoise Got His Bumpy Shell

A long time ago, all the birds were invited to a big feast in the sky. They were very happy and got ready for the special day. They painted their feathers in bright colors and made themselves look beautiful. Tortoise saw the birds preparing and soon understood what was happening. He was very clever and … Read more

Why the Bat is Ashamed to be Seen in the Daytime

Why the Bat is Ashamed to be Seen in the Daytime

Once, there was an old mother sheep who had seven lambs. One day, a bat wanted to visit his father-in-law, who lived far away. He went to the mother sheep and asked her to lend him one of her lambs to carry his load. At first, the mother sheep refused, but the young lamb was … Read more

The Name “Anambra” Is Not New: A Look at Its Indigenous and Colonial Origins

An Igbo man from Achala, p.d. Anambra State, photographed by British colonial government anthropologist Northcote Thomas, 1910-1911. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge.

Many believe “Anambra” is a recent invention created during Nigeria’s post-colonial period. However, historical records prove that variations of the name—such as “Anambara” and “Anambala”—were in use long before British rule. These earlier versions reflect the Indigenous Igbo pronunciation. The spelling “Anambra” is simply a colonial adaptation of the traditional name. Early Mention of Anambara … Read more

Proverb: Ọ bụghị egwu ọ bụla ka ana-agba chiri ụtaba na aka

This Igbo proverb, Ọ bụghị egwu ọ bụla ka ana-agba chiri ụtaba na aka (Not every dance is performed with tobacco/snuff in hand), carries a deep lesson about adaptability and situational awareness. In traditional Igbo society, different dances were performed for various occasions; some were solemn, others were celebratory, and each required a fitting attitude … Read more

Ede Ala: A Traditional Igbo Body Art Reflecting Beauty and Cultural Identity

Ede Ala: A Traditional Igbo Body Art Reflecting Beauty and Cultural Identity

Ede Ala, also known in some Igbo dialects as Nkasi Ali, was a traditional form of body art among the Igbo people. This art form featured beautiful, curving tattoo designs typically applied around the neck, back, breasts, and belly. It was an important cultural expression in Igbo society, symbolizing beauty, identity, and status. The ink … Read more

Ukara Cloth: The Nsibidi-Adorned Fabric of the Ekpe Society

Ukara cloth is a distinctive indigo-dyed textile adorned with nsibidi symbols, traditionally associated with the Ekpe society, a secretive socio-political and judicial institution found among the Cross River, Northeastern and Southeastern Igbo communities. Beyond being a fabric, Ukara cloth serves as a visual and cultural representation of status, knowledge, and power within these societies. The … Read more

The Northeastern Igbo: A History of Warrior Traditions and Cultural Uniqueness

The northeastern Igbo, primarily inhabiting what is now Ebonyi State, Nigeria, represent a unique subgroup within the broader Igbo ethnic group. They share a deep warrior tradition with other well-known Igbo warrior societies, including the Abam, Ohafia, Bende, and Aro communities of today’s Abia State. Unlike many other Igbo regions, the northeastern Igbo maintained a … Read more

Empowering Women in Igbo Spirituality: Embracing Diversity and Village-Specific Traditions

­     The real essence of Igbo spirituality lies in it’s rich diversity and how it can empower the women, demonstrating that women can hold significant spiritual power, depending on their local traditions.     In Igbo spirituality, women play different and many significant roles, it is deeply rooted in the culture of each … Read more

The Ebonyi River: A Historical and Cultural Lifeline of Southeastern Nigeria

The Ebonyi River, a significant waterway in southeastern Nigeria, has played a crucial role in the history, migration, and expansion of the Igbo people. Before the 1920s, the river was already well documented in British colonial records, including a photo album preserved in The National Archives UK. The river and its surrounding territories became the … Read more

King Jaja of Opobo: The Rise of an Igbo Merchant King.

Introduction King Jaja of Opobo was a powerful 19th-century West African ruler whose life and legacy continue to inspire discussions on resistance, leadership, and economic independence. Born into slavery in Umuduruoha, Amaigbo, present-day Imo State in the Igbo hinterland, Jaja was taken to Bonny, where he rose to prominence within the trading houses. He later … Read more

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