A Monarch in Anioma
The Anioma people helped to keep Benin's territorial expansion in check by resisting their wars; this is an important and complex part of Nigeria's southeastern history.
The old Benin kingdom experienced one of their most fierce resistance from this Igbo area.
The long fights to capture Anioma also influenced Anioma’s political and societal structures,…
Obi of Owa
Ika people in Anioma as colonial officer J. Macrae Simpson documented in the 1930s are rooted deeply in heritage of Igbo, evident through their social structures, dialect, and cultural practices.
The political institutions of ndi ika evolved uniquely despite being one of the earliest Igbo autonomous aboringines influenced by interacting historically with cultures around…
Obi of Onicha Olona
During the Bristish expansion during the chaotic years in the early 19th century, they were faced with rebellion, fearlessness, and resistance from Onicha-Olona and Anioma society at large.
A fierce campaign was planned against the Bristish authority by The Ekumeku Chiefs of Onicha-Olona, including Dunkwu, Elumelu, Ebora, and Ikemefuna
To stop the efforts to…
Embedded within the cultural fabric of Igboland are the Oru people, a unique and distinct group within the larger Igbo ethnic family. The adage "Oru na Igbo bu ofu," meaning "Oru and Igbo are one," underscores a shared heritage; however, the Oru have cultivated their own riverine way of life, rich with distinct customs, beliefs,…
An Elderly Man blowing the Ọjà / Igbo Monitor
The Ọjà is a highly regarded flute of a great tradition among the Igbo-speaking people of Nigeria. Centuries back, it was a device that evoked so much more than music. This highly acclaimed Ọjà can be used for communication, storytelling, and ritual. Its versatility and portability…
Obi of Obomkpa, HRM Onyemaechi Kanyinaga
Obomkpa, an Igbo settlement in Anioma that is deeply rooted in the traditions and cultural practices of Igbo.
Anagba or Kanagbana-Ogidi was the name of Obamkpa's founding father, the oral traditions of Obamkpa by Kunirum Osia, accounts that Kanagbana was given birth to while his mother was escaping to Ogidi as…
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 Ancient and modern history recorded Africa's diverse cultures and empires, Igboland, in what is now southeastern Nigeria, was one of the birthplaces of early human development. Recent research from the African Genome Variation Project has revealed new information about the ancient origins of the Igbo people. This research shows that the Igbo have…
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.
