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

Ethnohistory

Nshi/Nri Kingdom: The Cradle of Igbo Civilization

Eze Nri Obalike sounding his bell, Thomas Northcote Ọ̀ràézè Ǹrì In the heart of southeastern Nigeria, the ancient Kingdom of Nri flourished as a powerful medieval entity, extending its spiritual and political sway across vast swathes of Igboland, with the revered Eze Nri at its helm. The kingdom (more or less a Priestdom) influenced a large…

ByChikwereSeptember 23, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory

Aftermath of Aya-Adesuwa: Continuation of The Story of Ubulu-Uku/Bini War

This is the continuation of the story of Ubulu-Uku/Bini. Following their victory over the Ogiugo, the Oba of Benin sought peace with Ubulu-Uku and agreed to the proposed terms. This decision was influenced by the knowledge that the Obi of Ubulu had pledged not to support the Ogiugo. The peace agreement included the exchange of gifts,…

ByIde NzeSeptember 22, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

Edward Wilmot Blyden: Father of Pan-Africanism and Advocate for African Cultural Identity

[Edward Wilmot Blyden, half-length portrait, facing front, holding book] Edward Wilmot Blyden (Aug 1832 – Feb 1912) was a writer and politician who identified both of his parents as being of full Igbo ancestry. Known as the father of pan-Africanism, Blyden was an educator, writer, diplomat, and politician who settled in Liberia and later Sierra Leone.…

ByChukaSeptember 21, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

Olaudah Equiano: Celebrated Abolitionist and Author Honored by Google Doodle on His 272nd Birth Anniversary

Olaudah Equiano was featured on Google's Doodle on October 16, 2017, to commemorate his contributions as a significant figure in the abolitionist movement and to mark the 272nd anniversary of his birth. It's almost 7 years the Igbo abolitionist, Equiano was celebrated for his powerful autobiography, “The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano”, which…

ByChukaSeptember 21, 20240Comments

Blog Standard

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

Nshi/Nri Kingdom: The Cradle of Igbo Civilization

Aftermath of Aya-Adesuwa: Continuation of The Story of Ubulu-Uku/Bini War

Edward Wilmot Blyden: Father of Pan-Africanism and Advocate for African Cultural Identity

Olaudah Equiano: Celebrated Abolitionist and Author Honored by Google Doodle on His 272nd Birth Anniversary

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