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Tag: African traditions

Habitat selection by Calabar ground pythons, by sex, in the Niger Delta of southern Nigeria. Data come from L. Luiselli et al.’s unpublished researches (1994-2014).

How Indigenous Beliefs About Sacred Animals Help Protect Wildlife in the Niger Delta and Cross River

Habitat selection by Calabar ground pythons, by sex, in the Niger Delta of southern Nigeria. Data from L. Luiselli et al.’s unpublished research (1994-2014). In many parts of Africa, people believe that some animals are sacred. These beliefs come from traditions, religion, and respect for nature. In the Niger Delta and Cross River areas of Nigeria,…

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Ekpe Society: Guardians of Trade, Knowledge, and Nsibidi in Pre-Colonial Southern Nigeria

The Ekpe society, also known as Okonko, is a secretive cultural institution originating among the Ejagham people of southeastern Nigeria. Through its unique blend of ritual, governance, and symbolism, the Ekpe society became a vital force in the social, economic, and political life of the region. Its influence expanded significantly due to the Aro people,…

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Linguistic Parallels: The Igbo Influence on Patwa’s Body Naming And Lingua

Abstract Jamaican Patwa, a Creole language born from the transatlantic slave trade, carries profound linguistic and cultural imprints of West African languages, particularly Igbo. One striking area of this influence is the naming structure of body parts in Patwa, which reflects the descriptive and symbolic tendencies of the Igbo language. This article explores the linguistic…

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Cultural Continuities: The Igbo Origins and Global Legacy of Masking in the Caribbean and Americas

Introduction The Caribbean and Americas are cultural mosaics where traditions from Africa have been preserved, adapted, and disseminated through centuries of displacement and cultural exchange. Among these traditions, masking holds a significant place. This article explores the detailed links between the masking traditions of the Bight of Biafra, specifically Igboland, and the vibrant masquerade practices…

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Haiti’s Independence Day: Celebrating the Igbo Legacy in Haitian Culture

Haiti’s Independence Day on January 1st is not only a commemoration of the first successful slave revolt in the Americas but also an opportunity to reflect on the African roots of its people, particularly the significant influence of Igboland in modern-day Nigeria. The Igbo, brought to the Americas through the transatlantic slave trade, left a…

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Mazi Nwanyi: Women in Arochukwu’s Leadership and Culture

A woman from Arochukwu with an ornate hairstyle. Photographed by Northcote Thomas, 1912-13. Arochukwu, a prominent cultural and historical city in Southeastern Nigeria, has long been known for its unique traditions and societal structures. Central to this heritage is the title “Mazi,” a term of deference typically reserved for male elders within the Aro communities, including…

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Young Men of the Ogbolo Age-Grade: Uli and Hairstyles in Achala, Nigeria

In 1939, British colonial art historian K. C. Murray photographed a group of young men belonging to the ogbolo age-grade in Achala, a community in the north-central Igbo area of Nigeria. This photograph, notable for its depiction of the young men adorned with uli body art and finely styled hair, captures a significant moment in…

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Colonial Anthropology and Igbo Society: A Woman and Child from Agukwu Nri

In the early 20th century, British anthropologist Northcote Thomas embarked on a series of anthropological surveys commissioned by the British colonial government. His work primarily focused on the cultures, languages, and social structures of various ethnic groups in Nigeria, including the Igbo people. Between 1910 and 1911, Thomas conducted extensive research in southeastern Nigeria, producing…

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