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

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Ohuhu/Olokoro-Igbo Man with Ritual Headdress

Photograph by G.I. Jones, 1930s. A man from the Ohuhu/Olokoro-Igbo community sits in his compound, holding an ogbom headdress. The skillfully carved wooden headdress showcases a seated figure(female) on a stool made from wood, carrying a round tray with a sculpted head on top of the figure. The figure has a round face that is also…

ByChukwunwike OssaiJune 21, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

The Lasting Beauty of Agbogho Mmuo in Igbo Culture

Agbogho Mmuo Masquerade. Photo - Owusi Obiora Ikwueme Hello, everyone! Come along as we discover the amazing Agbogho Mmuo , a beautiful masquerade from Igbo culture in southeastern Nigeria. This maiden spirit mask celebrates women, spirits, and art. We’ll learn about where it came from, how it looks, what it means, and how it has…

ByIdenze EzemeMay 8, 20250Comments

Historical Studies

The Influence of Igbo Art in Late 18th-Century Virginia

Igbo People in Virginia and Their Craftsmanship During the late 18th century, the transatlantic slave trade was at its peak, and many enslaved Africans brought to Virginia came from the Bight of Biafra, a region dominated by the Igbo ethnic group. The Igbo became one of the largest African ethnocultural groups in Virginia at…

ByIdenze EzemeMarch 23, 20250Comments

Folklores

Asele: The Legendary Igbo Designer

Uche Okeke (1933 – 2016) Head of a Girl, 1962, pen and ink on paper. Photo: Ukpuru In Igbo mythology, Asele is a famous designer from Nimo, a town in the north-central Igbo region. She was the most skilled uli artist. Uli is a traditional Igbo graphic art used to decorate objects for social and religious…

ByIdenze EzemeMarch 1, 20250Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Photos

Igbo-Ukwu Ceramic Pot: A Symbol of Ancient Igbo Craftsmanship

Igbo-Ukwu: A large ceramic pot excavated from a disposal pit. Its handles are designed to resemble basketwork, and the space between them features intricate motifs, including two snakes, a ram’s head, and a chameleon. Height: 40.6 cm. National Museum, Lagos state, Nigeria. This large ceramic pot, excavated from an ancient disposal pit in Igbo-Ukwu, Nigeria, showcases…

ByChuka OdikeJanuary 14, 20250Comments

Ethnohistory Photos

Romanus Nzeke: Master of Agiriga Mask Craft

Romanus Nzeke, a carver from Mgbala Agwa (in Oguta LGA, Imo State, Nigeria), repainting the Agiriga mask in 1983. Source: Igbo Arts: Community and Cosmos by Herbert Cole. This photo captures Romanus Nzeke, a skilled carver from Mgbala Agwa, in present-day Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria, repainting the Agiriga mask in 1983. The Agiriga…

ByChuka OdikeJanuary 14, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies Indigenous Architecture Photos ⁠Religion and Spirituality

Igbo Language and Art: Preserving Heritage and Promoting Growth

Women decorating the Iyiazi shrine in Agukwu Nri, located in present-day Anambra State, Nigeria, 1984. Photographs taken by Chike Aniakor. The Igbo language and art are integral components of the cultural heritage of the Igbo people of Nigeria. While these cultural expressions have thrived for centuries, globalization and modernization pose significant threats to their survival. This…

ByChuka OdikeDecember 31, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage Photos

Young Men of the Ogbolo Age-Grade: Uli and Hairstyles in Achala, Nigeria

In 1939, British colonial art historian K. C. Murray photographed a group of young men belonging to the ogbolo age-grade in Achala, a community in the north-central Igbo area of Nigeria. This photograph, notable for its depiction of the young men adorned with uli body art and finely styled hair, captures a significant moment in…

ByChuka OdikeDecember 19, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Historical Studies

The Mastery of Igbo-Ukwu Smiths: A Legacy in Metalworking and Craftsmanship

9th-10th century bronze pendant excavated at Igbo Ukwu, Anambra State. British Museum. Introduction The Igbo-Ukwu region, renowned for its ancient metalworking techniques, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and artistic excellence of early West African societies. Unearthed artifacts, such as the ones displayed in the images, reveal the profound craftsmanship, technological advancement, and cultural significance…

ByChuka OdikeNovember 27, 20240Comments

Tag: Igbo Art

Ohuhu/Olokoro-Igbo Man with Ritual Headdress

The Lasting Beauty of Agbogho Mmuo in Igbo Culture

The Influence of Igbo Art in Late 18th-Century Virginia

Asele: The Legendary Igbo Designer

Igbo-Ukwu Ceramic Pot: A Symbol of Ancient Igbo Craftsmanship

Romanus Nzeke: Master of Agiriga Mask Craft

Igbo Language and Art: Preserving Heritage and Promoting Growth

Young Men of the Ogbolo Age-Grade: Uli and Hairstyles in Achala, Nigeria

The Mastery of Igbo-Ukwu Smiths: A Legacy in Metalworking and Craftsmanship

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