Anthropology and Ethnography Ethnohistory

Umuolu: A Community’s Struggle for Development and Preservation of Tradition

Umuolu is a community in Delta State, Nigeria, occupied by an Igbo-speaking group. They are part of the big Ukwuani community, which is under the Ndokwa East or Ndokwa West Local Government Areas (LGA) in Delta State. The people of Ndokwa are with a strong culture, farming skills, have crude oil and gas in industrial…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMarch 26, 20250Comments

The Role and Significance of Dibia in Igbo Culture: Bridging the Physical and Spiritual Realms

In lgbo culture, dibia is one big person with power and respect. Dibia is a doctor, priest, healer, and seer joined in one They use spiritual and herbal knowledge to help people connect with the spirit world and also to solve medical problems . Not everybody can be dibia; it is unique, and it's something that someone can…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMarch 12, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

Understanding the Phrase “Igbo enwe Eze” and Igbo Leadership Systems

The Igwe, also known as the Obi of Onitsha and the Chiefs at the Ofala Festival, Anambra State, Nigeria. Photo: Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation The saying " Igbo enwe Eze," meaning "The Igbo have no king," is often misinterpreted. It is a statement that shows the way of governance in Igbo society without a central leader,…

ByIdenze EzemeJanuary 15, 20251Comment

Cultural Heritage

The New Yam Festival: A Cultural and Spiritual Celebration in Igboland

Introduction The New Yam Festival, known locally as Iri ji, Iwa ji or Ike ji, holds significant cultural and spiritual importance among the Igbo people. It is a festival dedicated to giving thanks and honouring Njoku/Ifejioku, the yam deity, and Ala, the earth deity, both of whom play crucial roles in agricultural success. The yam…

ByChuka OdikeNovember 28, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory Indigenous Architecture

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

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies ⁠Religion and Spirituality

The System of Eze Title : An Immortal Gateway in Anioma Culture

©doziearts In various Anioma communities, the Eze title has always been the prestigious pathway to elevated status, also, it embodies the core social and spiritual aspirations. Men, via junior roles usually ascend to the alo and nkpisi positions. While they acquire skills and wealth, they are also given the honor in the eligibility of the Eze title. Aside…

ByChukwunwike OssaiOctober 28, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies

The Spiritual and Economic Importance of Yam Crops in Anioma: A Connection to Influence of Nri kingdom

Yam holds an important and general position amoung Anioma people , aside being a staple food, it's also a vital representation of spirituality, economic power, and status. This crucial traditional practice with yams mirrors the traditional practice from Nri kingdom, an ancient Igbo kingdom which played crucial role as the cultural and spiritual source of most…

ByChukwunwike OssaiOctober 12, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies

Ada Nshi and Okpala Nshi: The Role Nri traveling Priests played in Building Anioma’s Ritual and Cultural Practices

Ndi Anioma, like other Igbo groups, have long kept deep cultural and spiritual ties to Nri, an ancient aristocratic and theocratic kingdom dated from 9th century. An important part of the connection was made possible by male and female ritual specialists of Nri, Okpala nshi (male priest) and Ada nshi (female priestess). Eze Nri sent sent them…

ByChukwunwike OssaiOctober 12, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Anioma Women Eze Title System: The Roles of women Nri Representatives in Coronations of Anioma

Female titled chiefs in Anioma The Eze title system of Anioma is primarily connected with male hierarchy, but also features women in crucial positions, this is particularly in Nri communities. Although males mostly dominated the Eze title hierarchy but females weren't excluded totally in this major cultural practice. It's important to note that women Eze's of Nri…

ByChukwunwike OssaiOctober 2, 20240Comments