Jones

The War Canoe House System (Wari): Kalabari’s Unique Engine of Commerce and Governance

Among the Kalabari people of the Niger Delta, the War Canoe House System called wari, stands as one of the most sophisticated traditional institutions in West African history. Although the name may suggest a purely military structure, the wari was far more expansive. It combined political authority, commercial organization, kinship unity, legal administration, and…

Igbo Masquerades as Colonial Satire: The Ghost Policemen and Oyibo Masks

Masquerades hold a central place in Igbo cultural and spiritual traditions, often serving as a means of social critique and historical documentation. One unique form of Igbo masquerade that emerged during the colonial period was the satirical portrayal of British colonial authorities, seen in the “Ghost Policemen” and “Oyibo” (White Man) masks. These performances,…

Ekpe Meeting House in Umuajatta Village, Olokoro – Annang Art and Ngwomo Influence

Asaba masquerade dancing in Ikwerre Igbo area, present-day Rivers state. Photograph by G. I. Jones, in the 1930s.

An Igbo boy near food bowl in Abiriba, Abia state, Nigeria, in the 1930s. Photograph: Gwilym Iwan Jones

Kinship, Sexuality, and Social Values Among the Igbo: Insights from Ngwa Society

The Igbo culture places greater emphasis on the father-child relationship than on the husband-wife bond or any other kinship ties. Within this cultural framework, sexual interactions in the family are primarily directed toward achieving a crucial social objective: the continuation of the male lineage. Unlike some other societies, Igbo traditions do not demand exclusivity in…

Mgbedike Masquerade: Origins, Cultural Significance, and Traditions of a Revered Igbo Heritage

Introduction The Mgbedike masquerade is a prominent cultural performance in Igbo land, particularly in the southeastern region of Nigeria. Known for its striking costumes, powerful dances, and symbolic meanings, Mgbedike translates to “Time of the Brave” or “The Brave One Has Landed.” This masquerade embodies themes of courage, justice, and social order, reflecting the values…

Alusi in Igboland

In Igbo cosmology, Alusi (also known as Arusi or Chukwu’s servants) are deities or spirits that serve as link between the Supreme Being (Chukwu or Chi Ukwu) and humans. They represent various aspects of the natural world, morality, and community governance. The reverence of Alusi is central to traditional Igbo religion and culture, influencing spiritual,…

The Heritage of Ndoki Weaving: Akwete Cloth and the Debate on Cultural Ownership in Southeastern Nigeria

Akwete cloth, woven by the Ndoki Igbo people, represents a rich textile tradition with deep roots in Southeastern Nigeria. Traditionally, the town of Akwete has been most closely associated with this craft, yet the origins and techniques of weaving in this region are a shared legacy among the Ndoki communities. A notable aspect of this…