Photos of Agbogho Mmuo (maiden spirit) maskers, early 1900s taken by Northcote Thomas.
Photos of Agbogho Mmuo (maiden spirit) maskers, early 1900s taken by Northcote Thomas.
The Agbogho Mmuo masquerade embodies the spirit of deceased maidens and represents ideals of youthful beauty, grace, and purity. This masquerade is typically performed by men during specific festivals and ceremonies,…
"A manilla, a form of currency, from around the 9th century, found at Igbo Ukwu". On display at the British Museum.
"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…
The Rise of the Igbo State Union.
The Rise of the Ibo 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…
"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
-…
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,…
The Midwest Ibos seeks to join 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…
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…
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…
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…
"
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,…