Body art and childhood traditions in Nigeria’s Igbo society are windows into its rich cultural heritage, particularly during the early 20th century. The photographs captured by renowned documentarians like G.I. Jones and Emily Godfrey serve as invaluable records of how identity, spirituality, and aesthetics intertwine. By examining these historical images, we explore the deeper meanings…
Photo by @rootinnajumieka on Instagram
Textiles have long been a medium of cultural exchange and storytelling, bridging continents and peoples. The journey of the Jamaican bandana and the George cloth begins in Madras (modern-day Chennai), India, and stretches across West Africa to the Caribbean. These fabrics, originally tied to colonial trade and slavery, have been reimagined…
The Igbo culture of Nigeria is rich in symbolism and traditional artifacts that reflect its worldview, spiritual practices, and societal structure. Among these artifacts, the Ikenga and Ofo stand out as powerful representations of personal achievement, moral authority, and spiritual connection. This article explores these artifacts using historical photographs and the cultural context in which…
People of Onicha (Onitsha) photographed by Robert Mcwhirter, 1905-11.
The historical figure of Ezechima, often referenced as the progenitor of the Anioma Igbo-speaking communities, has sparked widespread debate concerning his origins. While some accounts suggest that Ezechima was a Benin man who migrated eastward, others argue that he was fundamentally Igbo, with his migration being a…
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…
A man from Isuochi. Photographed by G. I. Jones, 1930s.
Isuochi, located in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, is a significant community within the Igbo ethnic group. It is made up of several villages and towns. Towns in Isuochi include: Umuaku, Umuokpo, Umunnato, Umuohia, Amata, Oboro, Eziama, and Umuagba.
Known for its rich cultural heritage,…