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Historical Studies
Enugu, Nigeria, 1960: A Visual Chronicle of Igbo Culture and Society in the Post-Colonial Era
Enugu, Nigeria, 1960. Photo: Simon Ottenberg. A glimpse into Enugu's past! The photo by Simon Ottenberg, taken in Enugu, Nigeria, 1960, captures a moment in time, provides a rare, authentic glimpse into the everyday life and cultural heritage of the Igbo people as Nigeria approached its independence on October 1, 1960. This image, rich in historical and…
October 15, 20240Comments
Cultural Heritage
The Role and Legacy of Ómù: Traditional Female Leaders in Anioma Igbo Communities
Notable Omu in Anioma. In Western Igbo towns (Anioma), traditional female leaders, known as Ómù, held significant authority alongside their male counterparts. This dual-sex leadership system, undermined by colonialism, ensured harmonious gender division of labour in Igbo politics. In Western Igbo towns, particularly in Anioma communities, the Ómù (or Omu) represented an integral part of a dual-gender…
October 15, 20240Comments
Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage
Ala, Ani, Ana, Elí, Aja – The Earth Mother/Goddess in Igboland
Ala by the artist, Ezem, in Enyiogugu, Aboh-Mbaise, Nigeria, 1960. Photo by Herbert M. Cole. In Igbo mythology and traditional religion, Ala (also known as Ani, Ana, or Eli) is the Earth Goddess or Earth Mother serving as: - Fertility and agriculture: ensuring fruitful harvests and abundance - Morality and justice: maintaining social order and punishing wrongdoing - Protection:…
October 12, 20240Comments
Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies
The Spiritual and Economic Importance of Yam Crops in Anioma: A Connection to Influence of Nri kingdom 
        Yam holds an important and general position amoung Anioma people , aside being a staple food, it's also a vital representation of spirituality, economic power, and status. This crucial traditional practice with yams mirrors the traditional practice from Nri kingdom, an ancient Igbo kingdom which played crucial role as the cultural and spiritual source of most…
October 12, 20240Comments
Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies
Ada Nshi and Okpala Nshi: The Role Nri traveling Priests played in Building Anioma’s Ritual and Cultural Practices
    Ndi Anioma, like other Igbo groups, have long kept deep cultural and spiritual ties to Nri, an ancient aristocratic and theocratic kingdom dated from 9th century. An important part of the connection was made possible by male and female ritual specialists of Nri, Okpala nshi (male priest) and Ada nshi (female priestess). Eze Nri sent sent them…
October 12, 20240Comments
Anthropology and Ethnography Ethnohistory
Nibo people of Awka
A woman of Nibo, present day Anambra State, Nigeria photographed by British government anthropologist Northcote Thomas, c. 1912.   Nibo, a town located in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, known for its skilled blacksmiths and craft workers in pre-colonial times. According to oral traditions, Nibo was founded by an ancestor named Ifite, who led his…
October 12, 20240Comments
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