Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

Cultural Significance of Ichi Marks and the Role of Awka Smiths in Bronze Distribution Among Igbo Communities

Son of Eze Nri of Oraeri Son of the late Eze Nri of Oreri, adorned with a Benin-style bronze pectoral mask. The elder’s facial marks, known as Ịchị, were traditionally given to men and some women in the north-central Igbo region as a symbol of either joining the Nze title system or being born into a…

ByChuka OdikeJanuary 19, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

Comprehensive Catalogue of 9th-Century Artifacts from Igbo-Ukwu

Map showing Igbo-Ukwu and the Igbo-lands. Photo: African History Extra In the 9th century, artists in a kingdom on the edge of the West African rainforest created some of the most advanced works of art ever seen. Working in bronze, copper, and terracotta, they produced stunning pieces that would eventually be buried with their priest-king in…

ByIdenze EzemeJanuary 17, 20251Comment

Ethnohistory Historical Studies

The Legacy of Ndi Mgburichi Jumieka: Igbo Social Hierarchy and Resistance in Jamaica

Photo by @rootinnajumieka on Instagram The legacy of Igbo culture in Jamaica is an integral part of the island’s history, especially during the slavery era. The famous Igbo saying, “Igbo enweghi eze”—meaning “The Igbo have no king”—aptly captures the egalitarian nature of the Igbo people, both in their homeland and in the diaspora. Despite lacking centralized…

ByChuka OdikeJanuary 1, 20250Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

The Symbolism of Ichi Markings Among the Igbo People in the Early 20th Century

An Igbo man photographed by British government anthropologist Northcote Thomas in the 1910s, the markings on his face are known as ichi which is worn by men and young boys as part of initiation into the the Nze na Ozo society, a society originally consisting of priests. The marks were also referred to as ogba…

ByChuka OdikeNovember 22, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

Symbols of Status and Heritage: Ichi Marks and Igbo Ukwu Art as Reflections of Igbo Culture

Left: Titled Igbo woman with full-face ichi marks, Iwollo, 1983. Photo: Herbert Cole. Right: 'Igbo Ukwu' female figure, c. 9th century CE Titled Igbo Woman with Ichi Marks, Iwollo, Ezeagu in Enugu State (1983), the images evoke a strong sense of Igbo culture and heritage. Ichi marks are a traditional Igbo scarification design indicating beauty, strength, and…

ByChuka OdikeOctober 20, 20240Comments

Nwaokoye Odinigbo, IsiNze ofUruoji, consecratingelephant tusksforfour ozomen who are taking the okike title

Anthropology and Ethnography Ethnohistory

The Influence of Nri: Leadership, Titles, and Cultural Heritage in Igbo Land

Nwaokoye Odinigbo, isi Nze of Uruoji, consecrating elephant tusk for four Ozo men who are taking the okike title Nri culture is one of the most fascinating and significant subcultures in the Igbo cultural area. With unique title and religious systems, which have been adopted by much of Igbo land, Nri’s influence is undeniably profound and…

ByIdenze EzemeSeptember 24, 20240Comments

Tag: Ichi marks

Cultural Significance of Ichi Marks and the Role of Awka Smiths in Bronze Distribution Among Igbo Communities

Comprehensive Catalogue of 9th-Century Artifacts from Igbo-Ukwu

The Legacy of Ndi Mgburichi Jumieka: Igbo Social Hierarchy and Resistance in Jamaica

The Symbolism of Ichi Markings Among the Igbo People in the Early 20th Century

Symbols of Status and Heritage: Ichi Marks and Igbo Ukwu Art as Reflections of Igbo Culture

The Influence of Nri: Leadership, Titles, and Cultural Heritage in Igbo Land

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