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Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

The Symbolism of Ichi Markings Among the Igbo People in the Early 20th Century

An Igbo man photographed by British government anthropologist Northcote Thomas in the 1910s, the markings on his face are known as ichi which is worn by men and young boys as part of initiation into the the Nze na Ozo society, a society originally consisting of priests. The marks were also referred to as ogba…

ByChuka20 hours ago0Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

Alusi in Igboland

Alusi in Orsu, West Isuama Igbo. G. I. Jones, 1930s. In Igbo cosmology, Alusi (also known as Arusi or Chukwu’s servants) are deities or spirits that serve as link between the Supreme Being (Chukwu or Chi Ukwu) and humans. They represent various aspects of the natural world, morality, and community governance. The reverence of Alusi is…

ByChuka21 hours ago0Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Honouring Tradition: Obi Ijeh of Idumuoghu in Igbo Burial Rites

Igbuzo. The deceased clan chief Obi ljeh of Idumuoghu, daubed in chalk to symbolise purity, Bendel, Nigeria, 1978. Photo: Bruno Barbey. The 1978 photograph by Bruno Barbey captures the late Obi Ijeh, the clan chief of Idumuoghu, adorned in chalk, a significant cultural symbol in Igbo society. Taken in Bendel State, Nigeria (now part of Delta…

ByChuka1 day ago0Comments

Cultural Heritage

Rebuilding Education: Igbo Children in Post-Biafra Open-Air Schools

Post-Biafra, Igbo children at an open-air school, 1974. Photo: Bruno Barbey. The photo taken by Bruno Barbey in 1974 depicts Igbo children attending an open-air school, a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination to rebuild after the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), commonly known as the Biafran War. The conflict, fought primarily over the attempted secession…

ByChuka2 days ago0Comments

Historical Studies

The “Crisis in the Soul”: Chinua Achebe on Cultural Alienation and National Identity

Photo: Chinua Achebe shot by Eliot Elisofon in Enugu months after the release of Things Fall Apart (1958), 1959. Smithsonian. Chinua Achebe, one of Africa’s most influential literary voices, highlighted the deep-seated psychological and cultural challenges that countries like Nigeria faced post-independence. In a 1972 interview, Achebe described what he called a “crisis in the soul,”…

ByChuka2 days ago0Comments

Ethnohistory Historical Studies

Education and Skill Development Among Igbo Students: A Focus on Domestic Sewing Lessons

Igbo student at domestic sewing lessons, taken by Drs. G.W. (Gerrit Willem) Grootenhuis, 1967. In 1967, a photograph taken by Dr. Gerrit Willem Grootenhuis captured a significant moment in the education of an Igbo student engaged in domestic sewing lessons. This image reflects broader socio-cultural and economic efforts to empower women and young learners within Igbo…

ByChuka2 days ago0Comments

Historical Studies

The Y-Shaped Currency of the Igbo People: Àpá and Its Evolution

A Y-shaped currency piece known as àpá in Igbo, or the 'Ogoja penny', it replaced an earlier hoe-shaped currency in the Cross River Igbo area (around Arochukwu) known as ányú. Taken in 1908. British Museum The Y-shaped currency, referred to as àpá in Igbo, holds significant historical and cultural value in Igbo society. It was commonly…

ByChuka2 days ago0Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

The Onitsha Trader and Otu Odu Society: A Historical Insight

This picture taken c. 1889, possibly by G. F. Packer credited with other photos from the Niger and Onitsha (and of Onitsha trading women), is annotated as 'Trader from Timbuctou' on the left and 'Rich Trading Woman' on the right. This photograph, taken circa 1889, is attributed to G. F. Packer, who is known for documenting…

ByChuka2 days ago0Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

Ifogu Masquerade in Igbo Culture: A Historical Glimpse

"Ifogu masquerade depicting the band seated on the ground and two masqueraders wearing Mba masks in the background. The band members are playing slit wooden slit drums and some are holding clappers." G. I. Jones, 1930s. The Ifogu masquerade Originating from the southeastern axis of the Igbo cultural area of Afikpo (Ehugbo) holds a cultural and…

ByChuka2 days ago0Comments

Historical Studies

Alvan Ikoku: The Life and Legacy of a Nigerian Educational Pioneer

Mazi Alvan Ikoku, whose portrait graces the Nigerian 10 naira note, is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated educationists. Despite this honour, few Nigerians truly understand his contributions to education, nationalism, and community development. This paper delves into Ikoku’s life, exploring the events and achievements that merited his enduring legacy on Nigerian currency and in history. Who…

ByChuka4 days ago0Comments

All Posts

The Symbolism of Ichi Markings Among the Igbo People in the Early 20th Century

Alusi in Igboland

Honouring Tradition: Obi Ijeh of Idumuoghu in Igbo Burial Rites

Rebuilding Education: Igbo Children in Post-Biafra Open-Air Schools

The “Crisis in the Soul”: Chinua Achebe on Cultural Alienation and National Identity

Education and Skill Development Among Igbo Students: A Focus on Domestic Sewing Lessons

The Y-Shaped Currency of the Igbo People: Àpá and Its Evolution

The Onitsha Trader and Otu Odu Society: A Historical Insight

Ifogu Masquerade in Igbo Culture: A Historical Glimpse

Alvan Ikoku: The Life and Legacy of a Nigerian Educational Pioneer

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