Pre-Colonial Igbo Canoe Construction and Military Innovation

A war canoe boat in the Igbo area of Niger Delta. The Igbo people, often referred to as the “Heebo, Eboe, Ibo people” in historical records, demonstrated remarkable expertise in the construction of canoes during the pre-colonial era especially tribes in the Niger Delta areas like the Aboh (Ndokwa), Oguta (Ugwuta), Ekpeye, Awarra, Enuani, Onitsha, Ogbaru,…

ByChuka OdikeNovember 24, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Ibini Ukpabi: The Arochukwu Long Juju

The Arochukwu Long Juju The Aro people, a branch of the Igbo ethnic group, founded the Arochukwu Long Juju shrine in the 17th century. A renowned Aro priest from Agbagwu, is credited with establishing the shrine. He is believed to have discovered the Long Juju (Ibini Ukpabi), a supernatural being, in a cave. The…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahOctober 17, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory Historical Studies

Eboe Town: A Cultural Landmark of Igbo Heritage in Belize

Eboe Town in Belize City, Belize in the 1829 Honduras almanack. Columbia University. It existed until the mid-19th century, when it was destroyed by fire, but played a significant role in shaping the local Creole culture. The town’s population was predominantly of Igbo (Eboe) descent, along with individuals from other African groups such as the Ashanti…

ByChuka OdikeOctober 9, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory

Nwaotam Masquerade: A Representation of the Ottam (Ndoki) People

Nwaotam Masquerade Play at Akirika Ukwu-Ndoki in 2021, Photographed by Ndoki Nmanma Nu Media Crew WHO ARE THE OTTAM/OTAM PEOPLE? The Ndoki people, before the popularization of the Name Ndoki were known as "Otam/Ottam" people. This was recorded in Captain Crow's Map and on the Dialect Mapping done by Rev. John Clarke in 1848 in …

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahOctober 2, 20240Comments

Indigenous Architecture

Nsude Pyramid: Spirituality in Igbo Architecture

A Nsude pyramid taken by G.I Jones 1935 The Nsude Pyramid (Nkpura) Shrine is an archaeological site near the modern-day Enugu community of Nsude, in southeast Nigeria. The Nsude Pyramid was built by the indigenous Igbo people of Nsude and environs. The primary construction material is mud built upward in a circular manner. The exact…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 24, 20240Comments

Ikwerri Ibo, Rumuji village. Owu masquerade. Mask called ‘Ajibodo’ 1931

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

Ajibodo and the Owu Masquerade: Cultural Significance and Social Order in Riverine Igbo Communities

Ikwerri Ibo, Rumuji village. Owu masquerade. Mask called ‘Ajibodo’ 1931 Source: Ibo and Ibibio speaking people of Southeastern Nigeria. Darryl Forde and G.I. Jones. 1957. "Owu Masquerade at Play" The Owu masquerade, a highly revered cultural entity, originated from Oguta, a prominent town in southeastern Nigeria, known for its rich traditions and strong connection to the riverine…

ByChuka OdikeSeptember 21, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

Ndi Igbo: Meet The Igbo People

Who are the Igbo people? The Igbo people are native to the southeastern part of Nigeria. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa, known for their rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and entrepreneurial spirit. The Igbo language, which is one of the four official languages of Nigeria, is spoken by more than…

ByIdenze EzemeAugust 26, 20243Comments