A Monarch in Anioma
The Anioma people helped to keep Benin's territorial expansion in check by resisting their wars; this is an important and complex part of Nigeria's southeastern history.
The old…
Obi of Owa
Ika people in Anioma as colonial officer J. Macrae Simpson documented in the 1930s are rooted deeply in heritage of Igbo, evident through their social structures, dialect, and…
Obi of Onicha Olona
During the Bristish expansion during the chaotic years in the early 19th century, they were faced with rebellion, fearlessness, and resistance from Onicha-Olona and Anioma society at…
Embedded within the cultural fabric of Igboland are the Oru people, a unique and distinct group within the larger Igbo ethnic family. The adage "Oru na Igbo bu ofu," meaning…
An Elderly Man blowing the Ọjà / Igbo Monitor
The Ọjà is a highly regarded flute of a great tradition among the Igbo-speaking people of Nigeria. Centuries back, it was a…
Obi of Obomkpa, HRM Onyemaechi Kanyinaga
Obomkpa, an Igbo settlement in Anioma that is deeply rooted in the traditions and cultural practices of Igbo.
Anagba or Kanagbana-Ogidi was the name of Obamkpa's…
Under the waist, there are cloths or plant fibers stuffed to make it stick out, and canvas shoes are worn on the feet. The masquerade moves slowly, exchanging pleasantries with…
Long before medieval and modern history chronicled this richly diversified tapestry of cultures and empires in Africa, Igboland, as it is popularly known, formed part of the southeastern region of…
The Ohafia war dance "Iri Agha". Adult male carrying a headhunters trophy (Oyaya) on his head." G.I. Jones, 1932-1939.
Iri Agha is a war dance of the Ohafia, Igbo subgroup, from southeastern Nigeria. The dance is an energetic interpretation of this culture and expresses the past martial arts activities of the Ohafia communities, who are very well known for their bravery and skill in battle.
Traditionally, the Ohafia were a tribe of feared warriors, and their culture glorified those people who returned from the battlefield with the heads of their enemies-a proof of their bravery and status. Iri Agha dance is done to commemorate such achievements through energetic movements that mimic what exactly a warrior would do during combat. Dancers, usually in their warrior attire with ornamental swords or machetes, move in steps showing valour, agility, and victory of the Ohafia warrior tradition. The music of the dance is usually provided by drums, flutes, and other musical instruments.
