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

Indigenous Architecture

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

Blog Standard

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

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

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