Rebuilding Education: Igbo Children in Post-Biafra Open-Air Schools

Post-Biafra, Igbo children at an open-air school, 1974. Photo: Bruno Barbey. The photo taken by Bruno Barbey in 1974 depicts Igbo children attending an open-air school, a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination to rebuild after the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), commonly known as the Biafran War. The conflict, fought primarily over the attempted secession…

ByChukaNovember 21, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

The “Crisis in the Soul”: Chinua Achebe on Cultural Alienation and National Identity

Photo: Chinua Achebe shot by Eliot Elisofon in Enugu months after the release of Things Fall Apart (1958), 1959. Smithsonian. Chinua Achebe, one of Africa’s most influential literary voices, highlighted the deep-seated psychological and cultural challenges that countries like Nigeria faced post-independence. In a 1972 interview, Achebe described what he called a “crisis in the soul,”…

ByChukaNovember 20, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory Historical Studies

Education and Skill Development Among Igbo Students: A Focus on Domestic Sewing Lessons

Igbo student at domestic sewing lessons, taken by Drs. G.W. (Gerrit Willem) Grootenhuis, 1967. In 1967, a photograph taken by Dr. Gerrit Willem Grootenhuis captured a significant moment in the education of an Igbo student engaged in domestic sewing lessons. This image reflects broader socio-cultural and economic efforts to empower women and young learners within Igbo…

ByChukaNovember 20, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

The Y-Shaped Currency of the Igbo People: Àpá and Its Evolution

A Y-shaped currency piece known as àpá in Igbo, or the 'Ogoja penny', it replaced an earlier hoe-shaped currency in the Cross River Igbo area (around Arochukwu) known as ányú. Taken in 1908. British Museum The Y-shaped currency, referred to as àpá in Igbo, holds significant historical and cultural value in Igbo society. It was commonly…

ByChukaNovember 20, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

The Onitsha Trader and Otu Odu Society: A Historical Insight

This picture taken c. 1889, possibly by G. F. Packer credited with other photos from the Niger and Onitsha (and of Onitsha trading women), is annotated as 'Trader from Timbuctou' on the left and 'Rich Trading Woman' on the right. This photograph, taken circa 1889, is attributed to G. F. Packer, who is known for documenting…

ByChukaNovember 20, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

Ifogu Masquerade in Igbo Culture: A Historical Glimpse

"Ifogu masquerade depicting the band seated on the ground and two masqueraders wearing Mba masks in the background. The band members are playing slit wooden slit drums and some are holding clappers." G. I. Jones, 1930s. The Ifogu masquerade Originating from the southeastern axis of the Igbo cultural area of Afikpo (Ehugbo) holds a cultural and…

ByChukaNovember 20, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

Alvan Ikoku: The Life and Legacy of a Nigerian Educational Pioneer

Mazi Alvan Ikoku, whose portrait graces the Nigerian 10 naira note, is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated educationists. Despite this honour, few Nigerians truly understand his contributions to education, nationalism, and community development. This paper delves into Ikoku’s life, exploring the events and achievements that merited his enduring legacy on Nigerian currency and in history. Who…

ByChukaNovember 19, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory Historical Studies

The Aba Women’s War of 1929: A Historic Anti-Colonial Revolt in Nigeria

The Aba women protest 1929-1930. Introduction The Aba Women’s War, also known as the “Women’s War” in Igbo history, erupted in southeastern Nigeria in late 1929 as Igbo-Ibibio women protested oppressive colonial policies. This uprising, led by market women from Calabar and Owerri Provinces, was one of the most significant challenges to British rule in Nigeria,…

ByChukaNovember 18, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory

Labour, Exploitation, and Resistance: The Legacy of the Ekulu Coal Mine and the Iva Valley Massacre in Colonial Nigeria

"The Ekulu coal mine is one of five currently being operated by the statutory Nigerian Coal Corporation. Nigeria is the only country in Equatorial West Africa at present producing coal." Eliot Elisofon, 1959. Smithsonian Institute. The Ekulu coal mine, one of five coal mines operated by the Nigerian Coal Corporation (NCC), played a pivotal role in…

ByChukaNovember 18, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

Igbo Knowledge of Stars and Seasons

The Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria have a rich culture that includes a deep understanding of the stars and the changing seasons. Centuries earlier, the Igbo depended on observations of the celestial world to guide their agricultural activities, spiritual rituals, and social life. This article looks at Igbo knowledge of stars and seasons, how this…

ByIde NzeNovember 18, 20240Comments

Blog Standard

Rebuilding Education: Igbo Children in Post-Biafra Open-Air Schools

The “Crisis in the Soul”: Chinua Achebe on Cultural Alienation and National Identity

Education and Skill Development Among Igbo Students: A Focus on Domestic Sewing Lessons

The Y-Shaped Currency of the Igbo People: Àpá and Its Evolution

The Onitsha Trader and Otu Odu Society: A Historical Insight

Ifogu Masquerade in Igbo Culture: A Historical Glimpse

Alvan Ikoku: The Life and Legacy of a Nigerian Educational Pioneer

The Aba Women’s War of 1929: A Historic Anti-Colonial Revolt in Nigeria

Labour, Exploitation, and Resistance: The Legacy of the Ekulu Coal Mine and the Iva Valley Massacre in Colonial Nigeria

Igbo Knowledge of Stars and Seasons

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