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Nsude Pyramid: Spirituality in Igbo Architecture

A Nsude pyramid taken by G.I Jones 1935 The Nsude Pyramid (Nkpura) Shrine is an archaeological site near the modern-day Enugu community of Nsude, in southeast Nigeria. The Nsude Pyramid was built by the indigenous Igbo people of Nsude and environs. The primary construction material is mud built upward in a circular manner. The exact…

ByChikwereSeptember 24, 20240Comments

Nwaokoye Odinigbo, IsiNze ofUruoji, consecratingelephant tusksforfour ozomen who are taking the okike title

Anthropology and Ethnography Ethnohistory

The Influence of Nri: Leadership, Titles, and Cultural Heritage in Igbo Land

Nwaokoye Odinigbo, isi Nze of Uruoji, consecrating elephant tusk for four Ozo men who are taking the okike title Nri culture is one of the most fascinating and significant subcultures in the Igbo cultural area. With unique title and religious systems, which have been adopted by much of Igbo land, Nri’s influence is undeniably profound and…

ByIde NzeSeptember 24, 20240Comments

Indigenous Architecture

Obu house in Abiriba. Photo by G.I. Jones 1930s

Obu house in Abiriba. Photo by G.I. Jones 1930s The Obu serves as the traditional assembly hall for titled elders, where important decisions regarding the community are made. It is a symbol of authority, unity, and cultural identity, deeply rooted in the heritage of the Abiriba people, who are part of the Cross River Igbo group. The…

ByChukaSeptember 24, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

Obiri Jack mask (close-up) Ogbukele festival, Ekpeye Igbo

" Obiri Jack mask (close-up) Ogbukele festival, Ekpeye Igbo ". Photographed by G.I. Jones, 1930s The Obiri Jack mask is an integral part of the Ogbukele festival, particularly celebrated by the people of Ekpafia (Ekpeye) in the Riverine Igbo region of Nigeria. This mask, often intricately crafted, serves spiritual and cultural purposes during the Ogbukele festival, which involves rituals,…

ByChukaSeptember 24, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

An Ikwerri Ibo (Ikwerre-Igbo) village showing the Obiri

An Ikwerri Ibo village showing the Obiri, P. A. Talbot (1910s) The "Obiri" in a typical Igbo village refers to a communal gathering space or meeting house, central to community life. From the photo, it's an open-air structure where village elders, leaders, and members gather for discussions, decision-making, and other communal events. The architectural style often reflects…

ByChukaSeptember 23, 20240Comments

Indigenous Architecture

Ancient Igbo Door Found in Awka

Igbo wooden carved door The portal to an Igbo compound with a wooden carved door or gate and relief figures in earth from Northern Igbo communities, as captured in a photograph by J. Stocker in the early 20th century, highlights the rich architectural and artistic traditions of the Igbo people. Such doors and gates were often…

ByChukaSeptember 23, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

Ekeleke Stilt Dance In Oguta

Ekeleke (stilt) performance in the Agwa, Oguta, p.d. Imo State, shot by Herbert Cole (1983). Ekeleke stilt dance is a traditional cultural performance from the Oguta people. This vibrant dance is performed by men balancing on tall stilts, which can reach impressive heights, while demonstrating agility and acrobatic movements. The dancers wear costumes, often decorated with raffia…

ByChukaSeptember 23, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

Ogaranya Masquerade: Symbol of Wealth, Power, and Prestige in Igbo Society

Photographed by G. I. Jones, 1930s. The "Ogaranya masquerade" in Igboland symbolises wealth, power, and prestige, often associated with the aristocratic class in traditional Igbo society. "Ogaranya" itself translates to "wealthy person" or "noble" in the Igbo language. This masquerade is not just a form of entertainment. Still, it serves as a cultural expression of status…

ByChukaSeptember 23, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

Traditional Chief’s Law Delta State, 2008

The Igbos are one of the largest ethnic groups in Delta State, Nigeria. Delta State is traditionally seen as part of the Niger Delta, its Igbo-speaking population is concentrated mainly in the Anioma region. The Anioma people, also known as Western Igbos, occupy over 10 LGAs. Some of the LGAs with significant Igbo-speaking populations include: - Oshimili North -…

ByChukaSeptember 23, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory Historical Studies

Prince Tshukuma (Chukwuma) depicted on Dr. Baikie narrative book cover

This is Prince Tshukuma/Chukwuma as depicted by Dr. William Balfour Baikie. He skillfully recreated all the European clothing he is wearing, which astonished Dr. Baikie. So much so that Dr. Baikie chose to feature him on the cover of his book. In Hourton’s analysis of Prince Tshukuma: “When the 1854 expedition ascended the Niger, the Commissioner, upon…

ByChukaSeptember 23, 20240Comments

All Posts

Nsude Pyramid: Spirituality in Igbo Architecture

The Influence of Nri: Leadership, Titles, and Cultural Heritage in Igbo Land

Obu house in Abiriba. Photo by G.I. Jones 1930s

Obiri Jack mask (close-up) Ogbukele festival, Ekpeye Igbo

An Ikwerri Ibo (Ikwerre-Igbo) village showing the Obiri

Ancient Igbo Door Found in Awka

Ekeleke Stilt Dance In Oguta

Ogaranya Masquerade: Symbol of Wealth, Power, and Prestige in Igbo Society

Traditional Chief’s Law Delta State, 2008

Prince Tshukuma (Chukwuma) depicted on Dr. Baikie narrative book cover

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