Under the waist, there are cloths or plant fibers stuffed to make it stick out, and canvas shoes are worn on the feet. The masquerade moves slowly, exchanging pleasantries with the audience. Known for humor rather than aggression, it entertains through jokes rather than by flogging.
Mgbedike masquerade displaying during Omabe festival at Imufu, Igbo-Eze…
Long before medieval and modern history chronicled this richly diversified tapestry of cultures and empires in Africa, Igboland, as it is popularly known, formed part of the southeastern region of Nigeria and was indeed one of the cradles of early human development. Recent groundbreaking research through the African Genome Variation Project has been able…
The Ohafia war dance "Iri Agha". Adult male carrying a headhunters trophy (Oyaya) on his head." G.I. Jones, 1932-1939.
Iri Agha is a war dance of the Ohafia, Igbo subgroup, from southeastern Nigeria. The dance is an energetic interpretation of this culture and expresses the past martial arts activities of the Ohafia communities, who are very well known for their bravery and skill in battle.
Traditionally, the Ohafia were a tribe of feared warriors, and their culture glorified those people who returned from the battlefield with the heads of their enemies-a proof of their bravery and status. Iri Agha dance is done to commemorate such achievements through energetic movements that mimic what exactly a warrior would do during combat. Dancers, usually in their warrior attire with ornamental swords or machetes, move in steps showing valour, agility, and victory of the Ohafia warrior tradition. The music of the dance is usually provided by drums, flutes, and other musical instruments.
A British colonial mineral survey party in the Oguta area. Mineral surveys of the Southern and Northern Nigeria Protectorates were commissioned in 1903 and 1904 by the British Secretary of State for the colonies.
Through the lens of the current colonial economy of colonial Nigeria, Oguta was economically exploited by the British. After the 1880s, Britain…
The Ubulu Kingdom is a culturally and traditionally endowed kingdom situated in the midst of a dense and rich rainforest that greatly influences the lifestyle of its inhabitants. The way of life in Ubulu is hugely influenced by its agricultural practice, artistic expressions, and social structures, making it …
Man from Mgbakwu, p.d. Anambra State. Photo by Northcote Thomas, early 1910s.
One Abogu, a famous hunter associated with an autochthonous tradition of origin, was said to be the founder of Mgbaukwu, Nteje (Nteleje) and Ukwulu.
Abogu, according to tradition, was longing for male children who would succeed him. Thus, when at last his first son was…
Onishe Ezemu Ubulu-Ukwu
Ubulu-Ukwu is a prominent Igbo kingdom in Anioma, with a rich history of interrelationship with her neighboring powers, mostly old Benin kingdom.
Some titles in the traditional hierarchy of Ubulu-Ukwu were adapted via their interwoven with Benin, some of which are reflections of exchanges which culturally occurred via warfare , migration, and diplomacy. Although…
The Ịwu Festival begins on an "Afọ" market day with the cultural activities that precede the holy week of the festival. The sacred week ends when a cannon shot from the palace breaks the silence.
As the saying goes: "Iwu bia na Afọ, naa na-nkwọ" meaning Ịwu begins on Afọ and ends on Nkwọ.…
The Nri people are a significant Igbo ethnic group in Igbo land that established their influence through a state system that was rooted in deep, profound religious beliefs. At the core of this system was the Eze Nri, a physical representation of a higher supernatural authority, believed to reside in Nri town. To understand the…
Obi Ofulue Okonkwo of Ubulu-Ukwu
Ubulu-Ukwu upholds a crucial place in history of ndi Anioma and ndi Igbo in general for its resistance to the Benin invasion in early times, prior the heroic Ekumeku movement. Oba Akengbuda of Benin in the 18th century executed a three-pronged war attack through his most powerful warriors, unfortunately the armies…
