Four Market Days, Eke, Orie (also known as Oye), Afọ, and Nkwọ. Photo: Newswatch, October 5, 1985, p. 53."

Symbolism of the Four Market Days in Igbo Culture

Four Igbo Market Days: Eke, Orie, Afọ, and Nkwọ. Photo - Ikesinachi The Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria have a unique and intricate way of understanding time, rooted deeply in their cultural, spiritual, and natural worldview. Their traditional calendar is built around a four-day week—Eke, Orie ( also known as Oye), Afọ, and Nkwọ.…

ByIdenze EzemeMay 23, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Igu Aro: The Sacred Proclamation of the Igbo Lunar Year from Nri

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. Eze…

ByChukwunwike OssaiApril 30, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies

Oji: The Sacred Seed of Trade and Tradition in Igbo Land

For Igbo people, kola nuts are not just an ordinary commodity - they are a serious cultural and spiritual item that drives their economy. It is called Ojo, and it plays a big role in the pre-colonial and early colonial times. Kola nuts are used in rituals, for hospitality, and even serve as a form…

ByChukwunwike OssaiApril 26, 20250Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

Colonial Resistance and Resilience: The Struggle of the Anambra and Anioma in Southern Nigeria (1883–1914

A dagger from the Ekumeku movement, which resisted British imperial rule in the western Igbo region for over two decades (1880s–1910s). Taken from Ogwashi-Ukwu, a key centre of Ekumeku activity, in 1910. Now housed in the British Museum. During colonial times, the Anambra people and the Igbo communities in Delta, especially the Anioma region, faced difficulties.…

ByChukwunwike OssaiApril 9, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Onwa Asaa: Celebrating Igbo Heritage Through Harvest and Unity

The Onwa Asaa Festival is a significant cultural event celebrated in Ugwuoba, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Cultural Significance: Onwa Asaa Festival is a fundamental part of Igbo Culture. It is celebrated as the new yam festival called "Iri Ji" . This festival marks the beginning of the harvest season, particularly for yams, which…

ByChukwunwike OssaiJanuary 31, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

Five Things That Must Never Happen During the Holy Week of “Ịwu Ubulu”

The Ịwu Festival begins on an "Afọ" market day with the cultural activities that precede the holy week of the festival. The sacred week ends when a cannon shot from the palace breaks the silence. As the saying goes: "Iwu bia na Afọ, naa na-nkwọ" meaning Ịwu begins on Afọ and ends on Nkwọ.…

ByIdenze EzemeOctober 23, 20240Comments