Nzu in Igbo Culture: A Symbol of Purity, Peace, and Spirituality

image: anitaquansahlondon.com Among the many elements of Igbo culture, Nzu (white chalk) holds a special place as a powerful symbol with deep spiritual and social significance. Despite challenges from colonial influences and modernisation, the Igbo are reviving their traditions, with Nzu playing a central role in preserving their identity. This article explores…

ByIdenze EzemeJune 24, 20250Comments

Masquerades performing during the Arobinagu Agwunsi Festival at Nri

Cultural Heritage

Arobinagu Agwunsi: The Agwu Ofia Festival in Igbo Culture

Masquerades performing during the Arobinagu Agwunsi Festival at Nri. Photo - Vanguardngr The Arobinagu Agwunsi, commonly known as the Agwu Ofia Festival, is a vibrant celebration among the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. This festival honours Agwu Nsi, the Igbo deity of healing, divination, and wisdom, who plays a central role in Igbo spirituality. Held annually…

ByIdenze EzemeJune 13, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

Ipia Nmanwu Day at Ndoni Cultural Day Celebration: A Vibrant Showcase of Tradition

Ipia Nmanwu Day at Ndoni Cultural Day Celebration! Ogbasu, Ndoni, Rivers State. Nestled in the heart of Rivers State, Nigeria, the Ndoni community recently came alive with the vibrant celebration of Ipia Nmanwu Day during the annual Ndoni Cultural Day. This event, held in Ogbasu, Ndoni, is a colourful testament to the rich cultural…

ByIdenze EzemeMay 22, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

Igbo Water Divinities: Guardians of Rivers and Lakes

Map of major rivers linked to divinities within Igboland. Photo - Ukpuru In Igbo culture, rivers and lakes are more than just water—they’re alive with powerful spirits. These water divinities, often called river gods and goddesses, are sacred to the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. They represent fertility, wealth, beauty, and power, and their presence shapes…

ByIdenze EzemeMay 15, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

Akalogoli Charms: Warding Off Evil Spirits

A man buries an Akalogoli charm made from burning palm flowers to repel evil spirits, a powerful Igbo ritual captured in the early 1910s. Photo - UkpuruIn Igbo culture, spirituality weaves through daily life, connecting the living with ancestors and the unseen world. One fascinating practice is the use of akalogoli charms,…

ByIdenze EzemeMay 12, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

Igbo Ancestral Halls: Why They Matter and Their Different Names

Ekpe (leopard society) meeting house. Photo - G.I Jones The Igbo people of Nigeria love their culture, family, and ancestors. A big part of this is their ancestral halls, called names like Obu , Obi , Ịbaa , Obiri , and Ovu in different Igbo areas. These halls are special…

ByIdenze EzemeMay 12, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

Animal Totems in Igbo Culture: Sacred Symbols and Spiritual Significance

Eke Ikputu Welcome to the fascinating world of Igbo culture, where animals are more than just creatures—they’re sacred symbols that carry deep spiritual, historical, and cultural meaning. In Igbo land, located in southeastern Nigeria, animal totems are a big part of life. These special animals represent the spirit, history, or beliefs of a clan or community.…

ByIdenze EzemeMay 7, 20250Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

How Indigenous Beliefs About Sacred Animals Help Protect Wildlife in the Niger Delta and Cross River

Habitat selection by Calabar ground pythons, by sex, in the Niger Delta of southern Nigeria. Data from L. Luiselli et al.’s unpublished research (1994-2014). In many parts of Africa, people believe that some animals are sacred. These beliefs come from traditions, religion, and respect for nature. In the Niger Delta and Cross River areas of Nigeria,…

ByIdenze EzemeMarch 14, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

The War Dance Festival (ILA OSO) In Uzuakoli

A group of young people from different age grades at the December 2011 ILA OSO Festival . Photo by Gifty-e The ILA OSO festival is a significant cultural event of the Uzuakoli people, located in present-day Abia State, Nigeria. With a history spanning over two centuries, this vibrant festival is deeply rooted in the traditions and…

ByIdenze EzemeMarch 5, 20250Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Photos

Nkpurumma: Bridging History with Modern Art

Left: Original photo of an Igbo woman, Puruma (Mkpurumma)?, photographed by Northcote Thomas, Onicha Olona, 1912. Right: A stunning colourized version by Chuka Odike, 2025. Original photo of an Igbo woman, Puruma (Mkpurumma)?, photographed by Northcote Thomas, Onicha Olona, 1912. A stunning colourized version by Chuka Odike, 2025. This photograph of an Igbo woman, likely Nkpurumma, was originally captured…

ByChuka OdikeJanuary 14, 20250Comments

Tag: Cultural preservation

Ipia Nmanwu Day at Ndoni Cultural Day Celebration: A Vibrant Showcase of Tradition

Igbo Water Divinities: Guardians of Rivers and Lakes

Akalogoli Charms: Warding Off Evil Spirits

Igbo Ancestral Halls: Why They Matter and Their Different Names

Animal Totems in Igbo Culture: Sacred Symbols and Spiritual Significance

How Indigenous Beliefs About Sacred Animals Help Protect Wildlife in the Niger Delta and Cross River

Nkpurumma: Bridging History with Modern Art

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