Uli Art and Cultural Transformation in Igboland: The Influence of Missionary Intervention and the Resilience of Igbo Artistic Traditions

Igbo lady decorating house walls with uli, Igboland. Photo by Margaret Courtney-Clarke, late 1980s. Uli art, a distinctive form of body and wall decoration traditionally practiced by Igbo women, represents a unique cultural heritage in Igboland. This art form utilizes fluid, abstract motifs applied to walls, bodies, and ceremonial structures, often with deep symbolic meanings tied…

ByChukaNovember 15, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory

Mgbakwu: A short history of Mgbakwu People

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…

ByChukaOctober 23, 20240Comments

Indigenous Architecture

War Towers of Igboland: Architectural Responses to the Atlantic Slave Trade in Northern Igboland

Awka Nibo Nise. Compound of Nwankwo Irienzuo. House with tower in the background." Zbigniew Dmochowski. These towers became popular in Igbo compounds around today's Anambra & Imo States due to the effects of the Atlantic slave trade which included raids in order to capture people to enslave. The towers, also known as "war towers" and known in…

ByChukaOctober 20, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Ethnohistory

Nibo people of Awka

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…

ByChukaOctober 12, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

Igboland (Alaigbo): A Regional Breakdown of Ethnic Divisions, Tribes, and Sub-Tribes

"Alaigbo" A classification of ethnic divisions, tribes and sub-tribes. "Alaigbo" A breakdown of Igboland cultural regions, ethnic divisions, tribes and sub-tribes. 1. Cross River Igbo (Aro) - Location: Found primarily in the eastern part of Igboland, close to the Cross River area. - Key areas: Arochukwu, Afikpo, Ahaba, Nguzu-Edda, Ihechiowa, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, Abiriba, Bende, and Isiama - Tribes: - Aro - Edda -…

ByChukaSeptember 26, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

Awka to London: David Nwume & John Uzoka The Awka Blacksmiths

Awka Blacksmiths David Nwume & John Uzoka, London, 1924-1925 The Awka Blacksmiths David Nwume and John Uzoka, two blacksmiths from Awka, went to the British Empire Exhibition in 1924–25, which was held in Wembley Park in London, England. There work was so fascinating that they won prizes in the metalwork category for building "The Awka Gate,"…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

Tag: Awka

Uli Art and Cultural Transformation in Igboland: The Influence of Missionary Intervention and the Resilience of Igbo Artistic Traditions

Mgbakwu: A short history of Mgbakwu People

War Towers of Igboland: Architectural Responses to the Atlantic Slave Trade in Northern Igboland

Nibo people of Awka

Igboland (Alaigbo): A Regional Breakdown of Ethnic Divisions, Tribes, and Sub-Tribes

Awka to London: David Nwume & John Uzoka The Awka Blacksmiths

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