The Afa System in Nri: Philosophy, Power, and Social Knowledge in Igbo Civilisation

Nnewicity.com: Afa (Spiritual Consultation) in Nnewi (Igbo land)- Unravelling the Mysteries The Afa system in Nri is not just about divinity but also an Igbo philosophy of knowledge, power, and social organisation. It is rooted in the metaphysical and political thought of the ancient Nri kingdom and is also the language used to communicate with the…

ByIdenze EzemeAugust 13, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

The Impact of Western Christianity on Nsukka-Igbo Marriage Rituals: A Cultural and Spiritual Dilemma

Marriage is a big event that carries cultural, spiritual and community power everywhere. In Nsukka, on the side of Igboland, Nigeria, marriage is not just a man-and-woman business but the rite of passage that connects a person to their ancestors and community. Since Christianity from the Western world came in, the problem started because Christian…

ByChukwunwike OssaiJune 18, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage ⁠Religion and Spirituality

The Role of Igbo Divination in Traditional Spiritual and Social Life

Igbo Divination Vessel - ókwá ọ́jị̀ bowl - Nigeria The Igbo Divination deeply exists in the traditional spirituality and beliefs of the Igbo living in southeastern Nigeria. It is a strong system used to communicate with the gods, ancestors, or spirits, solve problems, and guide life decisions. It is unlike Western astrology or fortune telling…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMarch 31, 20250Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory ⁠Religion and Spirituality

The Spiritual Hierarchy of Odinani: Chukwu to Alusi

The Ngene figure, known as Alusi Ngene, is a carved wooden representation that embodies both male & female physical attributes. It features scarification marks & carved bangles on the ankles & wrists. Collected by Northcote Thomas in Awgbu, present-day Anambra, Nigeria, in 1911 For the Igbo people who follow Odinani, the world has levels. Chukwu, the…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMarch 5, 20250Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

The Art of Afa Divination: Stephen Nwedozie’s Legacy in Umuazu, Nise (1966)

This is a rather special photograph, taken in 1966 by one Herbert Cole, of one of the more famous diviners, Stephen Nwedozie, in Umuazu, Nise, Nigeria. The photo shows Nwedozie throwing the afa chains, a traditional means with which Igbo people foresee their future. This photograph aids in providing more…

ByIdenze EzemeOctober 6, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

Afa Divination: Spiritual Guidance in Igbo Culture

Diviner Stephen Nwedozie casting afa chains in Umuazu Nise, Nigeria, 1966. Photo: Herbert Cole. Stephen Nwedozie, a renowned diviner from Umuazu, Nise, was photographed by Herbert Cole in 1966, casting afa chains. Afa, the Igbo system of divination, is a vital part of the culture and religious practices, offering spiritual guidance and solutions to personal and…

ByChuka OdikeOctober 5, 20240Comments