Subject
20 records filed under this subject
Igu Aro is a significant tradition practiced yearly by the Igbo people in Nri, located in Anaocha LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria. This ceremony marks the start of the Igbo traditional New Year and the beginning of the farming season. It holds deep cultural importance, connecting the Igbo people to their ancestors, present lives, and future.…
The Arochukwu Long Juju The Aro people, a branch of the Igbo ethnic group, founded the Arochukwu Long Juju shrine in the 17th century. A renowned Aro priest from Agbagwu, is credited with establishing the shrine. He is believed to have discovered the Long Juju (Ibini Ukpabi), a supernatural being, in a cave. The shrine…
WHO ARE THE OTTAM/OTAM PEOPLE? The Ndoki people, before the popularization of the Name Ndoki were known as “Otam/Ottam” people. This was recorded in Captain Crow’s Map and on the Dialect Mapping done by Rev. John Clarke in 1848 in Bonny When Rev. John Clarke did a language Mapping in 1848 at Bonny, he mentioned…
The Nsude Pyramid (Nkpura) Shrine is an archaeological site near the modern-day Enugu community of Nsude, in southeast Nigeria. The Nsude Pyramid was built by the indigenous Igbo people of Nsude and environs. The primary construction material is mud built upward in a circular manner. The exact period when the pyramid was built has not…
Nri culture is one of the most fascinating and significant subcultures in the Igbo cultural area. With unique title and religious systems, which have been adopted by much of Igbo land, Nri’s influence is undeniably profound and far-reaching. This level of impact makes it challenging to pinpoint what cultural practice specifically originates from Nri,…
Ọ̀ràézè Ǹrì In the heart of southeastern Nigeria, the ancient Kingdom of Nri flourished as a powerful medieval entity, extending its spiritual and political sway across vast swathes of Igboland, with the revered Eze Nri at its helm. The kingdom (more or less a Priestdom) influenced a large population of Igbo people until it reached…
The Ngwa People Ngwa is an Igbo subgroup from Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria. The origin of Ngwa people dates back to the 14th century when they migrated from the Igbo heartland, from a village called Umunoha in the present Owerri zone of Imo State Nigeria The name “Ngwa” is believed to be derived from the…
Who are the Isu People and Where do they inhabit? The Isu people, often referred to as Isuama (translating to, “Isu Region or Land”), are an inland people that inhabit the central region of Igboland, which is situated between Southern Anambra and Northern Imo, inland of the Igbo territory. They are part of the larger…
The Awka Blacksmiths David Nwume and John Uzoka, two blacksmiths from Awka, went to the British Empire Exhibition in 1924–25, which was held in Wembley Park in London, England. There work was so fascinating that they won prizes in the metalwork category for building “The Awka Gate,” an iron gate. The gate is still kept…
Trade-by-Barter “Trade-by-Barter” was a common practice in all the markets in Ala Igbo before the introduction of the cash economy. People exchanged goods like farm produce, livestock, crafts, and services without using money. Goods were exchanged based on their perceived equivalent value, determined by supply and demand. Barter trade took place on designated market days,…
Mgba, Igbo traditional wrestling, has been an exceedingly popular sport amongst the Igbo people. Young, physically fit Igbo men engage in this practice, which acknowledges strength and talent and promotes the indigenous language, culture, norms, values, and customs. The competitors usually demonstrate their physical prowess by defeating their opponent in Mgba wrestling; a defeat happens…
Before the incursion of Christian missionary activity into Igbo society, this ichi marking was an important protective mechanism for its bearers against the convoluted social fabrics in Igbo society. Those with distinctive facial scars were partly immune from the dread horror of abduction for slavery, which loomed large during those turbulent times. Among the Igbo,…
Amadioha Amadioha is the Arusi or Agbara of thunder and lightning of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. He is amongst the most popular of Igbo deities and in some parts of Igboland, he is goes by various names across Igboland such as Amadiora, Kamalu (Kalu Akanu), Ofufe, or Kamanu. Amadioha is considered one of…
Iri Ji: Preparation, Organization and Significance Iri Iji is a vibrant traditional Igbo yam festival, celebrated by the majority of Igbo people from various clans. Yams are a staple crop in Igbo culture, representing abundance, fertility, and prosperity. Iri Iji is typically celebrated annually, usually between August and October, to mark the harvest season. The…
Uli, or Uri (in some parts of Igboland), is an intricately beautiful and vibrant body art that is predominantly practiced by Igbo women in South-Eastern Nigeria. It is an artistic tradition that carries heavy cultural significance. The name, “Uli,” is derived from the trees whose fruit or pods are used for extracting the painting medium…
The Oja Flute The Igbo people have a very vibrant ancient culture that has survived for years and the Oja flute is one. It is a traditional musical instrument of the Igbo people. It is typically made from wood or bamboo, with a simple, rustic design. The Oja flute usually has six holes, which are…
Igbo Cosmology Igbo cosmology refers to the traditional understanding of the universe and the nature of reality of the Igbo people of West Africa. The key aspects of Igbo Cosmology includes: Supreme Being: Chukwu (also known as Chineke) is the supreme deity, creator of the universe, and source of all life. Spiritual Realm: Igbo cosmology…
The Concept of Life after Death in the Igbo Society In Igbo belief, reincarnation is the idea that the soul is reborn into a new body after death, continuing its journey through life. Igbo people believe that after death, the soul does not cease to exist but is reincarnated into a new family member, often…
Ikoro Ikoro is a traditional Igbo drum used in Igbo culture and tradition. It is a large, slit drum made from a hollowed-out log, typically played with sticks or mallets. Ikoro drums are an integral part of Igbo music, communication, and ceremonies, used to: – Convey messages and announcements – Accompany dances and songs –…
Who are the Igbo people? The Igbo people are native to the southeastern part of Nigeria. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa, known for their rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and entrepreneurial spirit. The Igbo language, which is one of the four official languages of Nigeria, is spoken by more…
Ozikoro