The Historical and Cultural Legacy of Illah: A Nexus of Igbo, Igala, and Benin Influences

"Igbo woman from Illah. Southern Nigeria." Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. [Postcard] Illah (Ila), located in present-day Delta State, Nigeria, is a historically significant settlement with deep cultural and political connections to the Igbo, Igala, and Benin civilizations. The town’s history is characterized by migrations, conflicts, and cultural fusion, making it an essential part of Igbo…

ByChuka OdikeFebruary 16, 20250Comments

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…

ByChuka OdikeJanuary 4, 20250Comments

The Fading Igbo Traditional Marriage Rites

Igbo bride and Groom Igbo traditional marriage rites, known as Ịgba nkwụ or Igba nkwu nwanyi, have long been a cornerstone of Igbo culture, symbolizing the union of families and the continuation of lineage. These ceremonies are rich in rituals and customs, including the payment of the bride price ịkwụ ụgwọ ịsi (ịkwa ụlọ), formal introduction…

ByChuka OdikeDecember 29, 20240Comments