Subject

Igbo Innovation

2 records filed under this subject

The Okpu Agha: Traditional Igbo War Hats and Their Significance

The Okpu Agha, often referred to as the “war hat,” is a significant artifact of Igbo culture, showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. Traditionally used as a form of protection in combat, the Okpu Agha was primarily crafted from the coarse fibers of the stems of Colocasia antiquorum, a…

War Towers of Igbo Compounds: Guardians of a Troubled Past

During the Atlantic slave trade, Igbo communities in southeastern Nigeria faced unprecedented threats especially north-central Igboland. Raids and kidnappings became commonplace as slavers sought captives to fuel the transatlantic human trade. In response, the Igbo people developed a unique architectural feature: war towers. Known locally as “obuna enu or ụnọ aja”, these towers were a…