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 …

ByChikwereOctober 2, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Ethnohistory

“Ibo Coiffures” Photo: Tribes of the Niger Delta – P.A. Talbot, 1910s

"Ibo Coiffures" Photo: Tribes of the Niger Delta - P.A. Talbot, 1910s. Igbo coiffures have a rich cultural and historical significance, often symbolizing status, age, marital status, and even spiritual beliefs. Here are some key traditional Igbo hairstyles: 1. Isi Ogo (Chief’s Hair): This is an elaborate style traditionally worn by Igbo chiefs or people of high…

ByOdikeSeptember 28, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

The Rise of the Ibo State Union.

The Rise of the Igbo State Union. The Rise of the Ibo State Union. In the early 20th century, the Igbo people of Nigeria, who had long shared a common linguistic and cultural heritage, found themselves spread across different administrative regions under British colonial rule. Divided by the borders of the Western, Eastern, and Northern Regions, the…

ByOdikeSeptember 26, 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…

ByChikwereSeptember 24, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

Traditional Chief’s Law Delta State, 2008

The Igbos are one of the largest ethnic groups in Delta State, Nigeria. Delta State is traditionally seen as part of the Niger Delta, its Igbo-speaking population is concentrated mainly in the Anioma region. The Anioma people, also known as Western Igbos, occupy over 10 LGAs. Some of the LGAs with significant Igbo-speaking populations include: - Oshimili North -…

ByOdikeSeptember 23, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory

Nshi/Nri Kingdom: The Cradle of Igbo Civilization

Eze Nri Obalike sounding his bell, Thomas Northcote Ọ̀ràézè Ǹrì In the heart of southeastern Nigeria, the ancient Kingdom of Nri flourished as a powerful medieval entity, extending its spiritual and political sway across vast swathes of Igboland, with the revered Eze Nri at its helm. The kingdom (more or less a Priestdom) influenced a large…

ByChikwereSeptember 23, 20240Comments

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

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

Oguta: Origin Owu masquerade

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…

ByOdikeSeptember 21, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

Ukwuani: Precolonial Kwale Ibo Shrine

"A Kwale Ibo village, showing juju shrines and charms" Photo from [Tribes of the Niger Delta - P. Amaury Talbot], 1910. This image depicts a traditional Kwale Igbo village with notable juju shrines and charms. Kwale is located in the western part of the Igboland cultural area (modern-day Delta State, Nigeria), is part of the Ukwuani/Ndokwa…

ByOdikeSeptember 21, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory

Ngwa-Ngwa: The Origin of the Ngwa People

Igbo Map by Ukpuru and Aba City photographed by OU and Tours The Ngwa People Ngwa is an Igbo subgroup from Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria. The origin of Ngwa people dates back to the 14th century when they migrated from the Igbo heartland, from a village called Umunoha in the present Owerri zone of Imo State…

ByChikwereSeptember 5, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

Isuama: The Region of the Isu People

Isuama Map by Ukpuru and Isuama-Ibo, Isu tribe, ‘Okorosie’ masquerade. Masks called 'Nwanyioma’ and 'Akatakpuru’ 1931 Who are the Isu People and Where do they inhabit? The Isu people, often referred to as Isuama (translating to, "Isu Region or Land”), are an inland people that inhabit the central region of Igboland, which is situated between Southern…

ByChikwereSeptember 5, 20240Comments

Tag: Ibo

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

“Ibo Coiffures” Photo: Tribes of the Niger Delta – P.A. Talbot, 1910s

The Rise of the Ibo State Union.

Nsude Pyramid: Spirituality in Igbo Architecture

Traditional Chief’s Law Delta State, 2008

Nshi/Nri Kingdom: The Cradle of Igbo Civilization

Oguta: Origin Owu masquerade

Ukwuani: Precolonial Kwale Ibo Shrine

Ngwa-Ngwa: The Origin of the Ngwa People

Isuama: The Region of the Isu People

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