Igbo masquerade ©Lasttribe
The Igbo people are a brilliant definition of how variety can foster cultural harmony. The Igbo did not stop being one of Nigeria's most cohesive ethnic groupings, by a common language that brings communities across geographical areas. The Igbo language remains the primary identity marker, signifying the tenacity and continuity of pan-Igbo culture,…
Man from Mgbakwu, p.d. Anambra State. Photo by Northcote Thomas, early 1910s.
One Abogu, a famous hunter associated with an autochthonous tradition of origin, was said to be the founder of Mgbaukwu, Nteje (Nteleje) and Ukwulu.
Abogu, according to tradition, was longing for male children who would succeed him. Thus, when at last his first son was…
Small group of Igbo wood-masked dancers in various raffia and leaf costumes, Ugwuoba village, Nigeria.' Simon Ottenberg, 1959. Smithsonian.
In 1959, anthropologist Simon Ottenberg documented a small group of Igbo wood-masked dancers in Ugwuoba village, Nigeria. These dancers wore elaborate costumes made of raffia and leaves, which are traditional materials commonly used in masquerades across various…
Igbo Atilogwu performance, Enugu, 17 March 1990. Photo by Tim Graham.
Igbo Atilogwu is a vibrant and energetic traditional dance performance from the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, significantly in the Wawaa areas of Igboland; parts of Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States.
The Atilogwu dance, a highly energetic and acrobatic performance, is one of the most celebrated…
A woman of Nibo, present day Anambra State, Nigeria photographed by British government anthropologist Northcote Thomas, c. 1912.
Nibo, a town located in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, known for its skilled blacksmiths and craft workers in pre-colonial times.
According to oral traditions, Nibo was founded by an ancestor named Ifite, who led his…
Eze Nri Obalike sounding his bell, Thomas Northcote
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…