British navy expedition on the Niger River going to the Igbo town of Aboh. Photo From Views on the River Niger. London: John Murray And Ackerman, 1840.
The British Navy expedition to the Niger River, specifically to the Igbo town of Aboh, was part of a broader effort by the British to explore West Africa and…
Yam holds an important and general position amoung Anioma people , aside being a staple food, it's also a vital representation of spirituality, economic power, and status.
This crucial traditional practice with yams mirrors the traditional practice from Nri kingdom, an ancient Igbo kingdom which played crucial role as the cultural and spiritual source of most…
Ndi Anioma, like other Igbo groups, have long kept deep cultural and spiritual ties to Nri, an ancient aristocratic and theocratic kingdom dated from 9th century.
An important part of the connection was made possible by male and female ritual specialists of Nri, Okpala nshi (male priest) and Ada nshi (female priestess).
Eze Nri sent sent them…
The relationship of Anioma with the Igala people is being displayed in some social and political institution influenced by the Igala and igbo, these influences is particularly felt in Anioma riverine communities like Aboh, Okpai, and Illah.
Some of the influences left a few notable marks because towns like Okpai and Oko was in a little…
Ogwashi-Ukwu celebrates new yam festival.
Similarities between the Ogwashi-Ukwu and Nri.
The Ogwashi-Ukwu and Nri share several cultural, historical, and traditional similarities due to their connections to the broader Igbo civilization. Both communities have rich histories and are rooted in Igbo culture.
1. Igbo Ancestry and Cultural Heritage:
Anioma - A Social History of the W estern lgbo People…
The extinction of the traditional structure of leadership in Anioma was heavily influenced by the introduction of warrant chiefs by the British colonial administration.
Formerly, the people of Anioma governed themselves via a decentralized system of leadership.
The institution of politics in Anioma was community driven, in a way that, leadership was shared across village assemblies, families…
Warrior's parade dance, photograph by Northcote Thomas in Anambra
Ezhionum community like most Anioma towns turned out to be part of the representation of defiance to colonial oppression from the British government.
The people of Ezhionum aggressively stopped the British from appointing warrant chiefs and establishing native courts. The forceful revolt started when James Davidson, deputy district…
Group of Igbo warriors
Anioma people are distinct subgroup of the Igbo tribe, located in western part of Niger River, the people's way of life has been a great display of cultural interplay. Over hundreds of years, different external kingdoms have exercised influence,especially the Igala and Benin kingdoms.
These kingdoms in the past left marks in some…
OMU OF ANIOMA,OKPANAM, HRM OBI MARTHA DUNKWU
In Anioma, women played a crucial role through their associations in making sure there's gender balance in political and social spheres.
Omu group , with Otu Umu Ada and Otu Inyemedi, acted as the key institutions that gave opportunity for women's significance and influence on the affairs of the community.
Omu…
Wealthy Market women in Onicha. G. F. Packer, 1880s. Pitt Rivers Museum.
Women in Anioma played key roles in the religious and economic sphere, especially as priestesses of marketplace. This special position don't just enable women to be in charge of spiritual authorities but also take part in economic authorities, showcasing the intertwined nature of commerce…