Mgba: Traditional Igbo Wrestling

Wrestling at Elele described by P. A. Talbot as wrestling to make the yams grow. Chief Eleche's place, Elele in Some Nigerian Fertility Cults, 1927 The Igbo Wrestling Sport Mgba, Igbo traditional wrestling has been an exceedingly popular sport amongst the Igbo people. Young, physically fit Igbo men engage in this practice, which acknowledges strength and…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

The Ichi Tradition: A Symbol of Identity and Nobility Among the Igbo

Igbo Men with Mgburuichi from Nri. Photographed by Northcote Thomas, c. 1910-1911. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge Before the incursion of Christian missionary activity into Igbo society, this ichi marking was an important protective mechanism for its bearers against the convoluted social fabrics in Igbo society. Those with distinctive facial scars were partly immune from…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Amadioha: The Igbo God of Thunder

Usòrò: Urata-Igbo Mbari house dedicated to Amadioha, photographed by William Fagg, near Owerri Amadioha Amadioha is the Arusi or Agbara of thunder and lightning of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. He is amongst the most popular of Igbo deities and in some parts of Igboland, he is goes by various names across Igboland such as…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Iri Ji: The Igbo New Yam Festival

Yam barn, Onitsha Province, Eastern Region, Nigeria, 1967, Photographed by Drs. G.W. Grootenhuis Iri Ji: Preparation, Organization and Significance Iri Iji is a vibrant traditional Igbo yam festival, celebrated by the majority of Igbo people from various clans. Yams are a staple crop in Igbo culture, representing abundance, fertility, and prosperity. Iri Iji is typically celebrated…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

Uli: Traditional Igbo Tattoo and Wall Art

Here’s the information without asterisks: Uli painting on the walls of ‘Odelegu’ in Nibo, present-day Anambra State, Nigeria. Photographed by Northcote W. Thomas in 1911. This is a composite of NWT 3125a (MAA P.31342) and NWT 3127 (MAA P.31344). Uli, or Uri (in some parts of Igboland), is an intricately beautiful and vibrant body art that…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

Oja: Melody and Solemnity In Igbo Society

Northcote Thomas Igbo Oja Collections 1909-1913 The Oja Flute The Igbo people have a very vibrant ancient culture that has survived for years and the Oja flute is one. It is a traditional musical instrument of the Igbo people. It is typically made from wood or bamboo, with a simple, rustic design. The Oja flute usually…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Igbo Cosmology: The Igbo Worldview

Conceptual Interpretation of the Igbo world view, Henderson, 1972:123 Igbo Cosmology Igbo cosmology refers to the traditional understanding of the universe and the nature of reality of the Igbo people of West Africa. The key aspects of Igbo Cosmology includes: Supreme Being: Chukwu (also known as Chineke) is the supreme deity, creator of the…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Reincarnation: The Igbo Concept of Birth and Death

Igbo Burial, Journal of The Anthropological Institute Of Great Britain And Ireland Vol.47 1917 The Concept of Life after Death in the Igbo Society In Igbo belief, reincarnation is the idea that the soul is reborn into a new body after death, continuing its journey through life. Igbo people believe that after death, the soul does…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

Umuada: Women Leadership Roles in the Igbo Society

Rich Onitsha Women decorated with Odu Enyi, photographed by G. F. Packer in 1880s Umuada Umuada translates to "daughters of the land" or "daughters of the family" and refers to a group of women who are originally from a particular village or clan but are married into different families and communities. Despite their marriages, they maintain…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Odinani: Igbo Spirituality And Religion

An Igbo Dibia, Basden, G. T. Among the Ibos of Nigeria, 1921 Odinani Odinani is the traditional spiritual practice and religion of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It is a complex and multifaceted system that encompasses various aspects of Igbo culture, including: - Belief in a supreme being (Chukwu) - Reverence for ancestors and spirits…

ByChikwereAugust 26, 20240Comments

Blog Standard

Mgba: Traditional Igbo Wrestling

The Ichi Tradition: A Symbol of Identity and Nobility Among the Igbo

Amadioha: The Igbo God of Thunder

Iri Ji: The Igbo New Yam Festival

Uli: Traditional Igbo Tattoo and Wall Art

Oja: Melody and Solemnity In Igbo Society

Igbo Cosmology: The Igbo Worldview

Reincarnation: The Igbo Concept of Birth and Death

Umuada: Women Leadership Roles in the Igbo Society

Odinani: Igbo Spirituality And Religion

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