Arts

Mbari house female painter in Owerri.

Ifogu Masquerade in Igbo Culture: A Historical Glimpse

The Ifogu masquerade Originating from the southeastern axis of the Igbo cultural area of Afikpo (Ehugbo) holds a cultural and historical significance in Igbo traditions, showcasing complicated artistry and symbolic representations of societal values. In the 1930s, G. I. Jones captured a striking image of the Ifogu masquerade, which features a seated band and two…

Lejja Sacred site, Nsukka, Enugu

The Lejja sacred site, located in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. This site, including the Onu Oshuru (Oshuru Bottomless Pit), is an ancient structure believed to be tied to spiritual and cultural practices among the Igbo people. According to local lore, the deity Utu-Udele-Igwe, associated with justice and cosmic order, is said to rise from…

The Iconic Anyanwu: Unveiling Igbo Cultural Heritage at the UN (United Nations)

Ben Enwonwu’s Anyanwu is an iconic sculpture that reflects the Igbo sun deity, symbolizing hope and renewal. The statue was presented at the United Nations headquarters in New York in October 1966, with Enwonwu and U. Thant, the then-Secretary-General of the UN, unveiling the piece. This event signified a moment where African art, particularly from…