Across precolonial southeastern Nigeria, craftsmanship and trade networks played a central role in shaping regional economies and social hierarchies. Among the most prominent were the Awka blacksmiths of present-day Anambra…
Photo credit; Wikiwand
The word “Igbo” often brings to mind a single ethnic identity, but anyone who has studied the region knows this isn’t the full picture. The Igbo cultural zone…
Photo credit: okwuid.com
When people talk about African writing systems, they often jump straight to “hieroglyphics” or the Ethiopian “Ge’ez” script. But long before Western contact and long before many African…
The Abiriba people are a special and vibrant group that resides in Abia State of southeastern Nigeria. They know their culture very well. They are very sharp in business. And…
Pole Vaulting, Abiriba School, today's Abia State, ca. 1930-1940. USC Digital Library.
Education in colonial Nigeria was largely controlled by Christian missionaries who used it as a tool for religious conversion…
The Ogene Musical Instrument
Egwu Ogene, which means "bell music," is a traditional type of music from the Enugu people in Southeastern Nigeria. This music gets its name from the …
Otiri Ngbagba Ikoro Masquerade from Abiriba. Photo: Jones Archive
The Ngbagba Ikoro masquerade is a thrilling cultural performance from the Igbo town of Abiriba in Abia State, Nigeria. It…
"Mgbedike or Agu neche Enyi (leopard/elephant) [close-up], Nimo". Photo by G. I. Jones, 1930s. Colourized by Ozi Ikoro 2024.Masquerades are a cornerstone of Igbo culture, representing complex interplays between humanity,…
The Abiriba Afo Ukwu Celebration in Aba, 2024. Photo by Kepukepu TV.
The Abiriba Afo Ukwu celebration is a grand annual cultural festival rooted in the traditions of the Abiriba people…