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Anthropology and Ethnography Ethnohistory

The Cultural Significance of Traditional Igbo Coiffures: Symbolism and Identity

"Ibo Coiffures" Photo: Tribes of the Niger Delta - P.A. Talbot, 1910s. Igbo coiffures have a rich cultural and historical significance, often symbolizing status, age, marital status, and even spiritual beliefs. Here are some key traditional Igbo hairstyles: 1. Isi Ogo (Chief’s Hair): This is an elaborate style traditionally worn by Igbo chiefs or people of high…

ByChukaSeptember 28, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

Initiating Young Hearts: Small Boys Masquerades in Isuikwuato

Small boys masquerade in Ovim Village, Isu Ikwa Ato [Isuikwuato]." - G. I. Jones, 1930s.In Ovim village of Isuikwuato, small boys masquerades play an important role in local festivals and cultural events. These masquerades allow young boys to participate in the vibrant masquerade tradition of the Igbo people, helping to instill cultural values and a…

ByChukaSeptember 28, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Ethnohistory

Unveiling Ogwashi Ukwu’s Rich Heritage: A Historical Reflection

A titled Igbo man from Ogwashi Ukwu, (Aniocha), Enuani in Delta State, photographed by Northcote Thomas in 1912, and later colorized by Ukpuru in 2019. Ogwashi Ukwu was founded by Odaigbo (Adaigbo), a descendant of Eze Nri from Agukwu Nri. The progenitor of Ogwashi-Ukwu, one Odiagbo, is said to have been banished from Nri for committing an…

ByChukaSeptember 27, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory

Ohafia’s Matrilineal Heritage: The Forgotten Founders and Enduring Legacy

Photo: Ohafia, 1930s. G. I. Jones. One version of the origin of Ohafia matriliny describes how pregnant women, during the migrations of the Ohafia people, were sometimes left behind—either because they were in labor or due to the suspicion that they would give birth to twins, which was considered an abomination. Ohafia's rich cultural history reveals a…

ByChukaSeptember 27, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

The Agbogho Mmuo Masquerade: A Symbol of Igbo Femininity, Beauty, and Spiritual Continuity

Photos of Agbogho Mmuo (maiden spirit) maskers, early 1900s taken by Northcote Thomas. The Agbogho Mmuo masquerade is a revered Igbo cultural tradition honoring the spirits of deceased maidens. Performed by men, this masquerade embodies youthful beauty, grace, and purity. Northcote Thomas's early 20th-century photographs provide valuable insights into this captivating tradition. Agbogho Mmuo represents: 1. Idealized femininity:…

ByChukaSeptember 27, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

Unveiling Igbo Ukwu’s Ancient Currency: The Manilla’s Significance in Pre-Colonial Igboland

"A manilla, a form of currency, from around the 9th century, found at Igbo Ukwu". On display at the British Museum. The manilla was a form of currency widely used in West Africa, including Igboland, particularly during the pre-colonial and early colonial periods. The discovery of a 9th-century manilla at Igbo Ukwu sheds light on the sophisticated…

ByChukaSeptember 27, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

The Ibo State Union: A Symbol of Igbo Unity and Resilience

The Rise of the Igbo State Union. In the early 20th century, the Igbo people of Nigeria, who had long shared a common linguistic and cultural heritage, found themselves spread across different administrative regions under British colonial rule. Divided by the borders of the Western, Eastern, and Northern Regions, the Igbo people experienced disconnection despite their…

ByChukaSeptember 26, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

Igboland (Alaigbo): A Regional Breakdown of Ethnic Divisions, Tribes, and Sub-Tribes

"Alaigbo" A classification of ethnic divisions, tribes and sub-tribes. "Alaigbo" A breakdown of Igboland cultural regions, ethnic divisions, tribes and sub-tribes. 1. Cross River Igbo (Aro) - Location: Found primarily in the eastern part of Igboland, close to the Cross River area. - Key areas: Arochukwu, Afikpo, Ahaba, Nguzu-Edda, Ihechiowa, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, Abiriba, Bende, and Isiama - Tribes: - Aro - Edda -…

ByChukaSeptember 26, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

The Cultural Significance of Igbo Greetings: A Reflection of Identity and Tradition

There are different ways the Igbo greet in the morning, and it reflects on the activities going on at that particular moment. The use of "ụtụtụ ọma", "ehihie ọma" and "mgbede ọma" for Igbo morning, afternoon and evening is recent, and was never a thing in an Igbo society. "Ụtụtụ ọma" is a direct translation,…

ByIde NzeSeptember 26, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

The Quest for Unity: Midwest Igbos’ Desire for Integration with the Eastern Region

The Midwest Ibos seeks to join the Eastern Region. The Midwest Igbos, share a deep ethnic, linguistic, and cultural affinity with the Igbos of the Eastern Region. Although they were part of the Midwest Region which was created in 1963, their Igbo identity remained significant. The Eastern Region was largely Igbo-dominated, and joining it would align them…

ByChukaSeptember 25, 20240Comments

All Posts

The Cultural Significance of Traditional Igbo Coiffures: Symbolism and Identity

Initiating Young Hearts: Small Boys Masquerades in Isuikwuato

Unveiling Ogwashi Ukwu’s Rich Heritage: A Historical Reflection

Ohafia’s Matrilineal Heritage: The Forgotten Founders and Enduring Legacy

The Agbogho Mmuo Masquerade: A Symbol of Igbo Femininity, Beauty, and Spiritual Continuity

Unveiling Igbo Ukwu’s Ancient Currency: The Manilla’s Significance in Pre-Colonial Igboland

The Ibo State Union: A Symbol of Igbo Unity and Resilience

Igboland (Alaigbo): A Regional Breakdown of Ethnic Divisions, Tribes, and Sub-Tribes

The Cultural Significance of Igbo Greetings: A Reflection of Identity and Tradition

The Quest for Unity: Midwest Igbos’ Desire for Integration with the Eastern Region

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