In traditional Igbo society, artistic production, especially woodcarving, was historically dominated by men. Yet women exercised profound aesthetic, symbolic, and moral influence on the creative process. Central to this influence…
Father Paul Obayi. Image: thestreetjournal.org
The Igbo say, “Ọnụ anaghị atụ egwu, ọ na-agwa mmadụ eziokwu”( the mouth that tells the truth does not tremble). And in Nsukka, one man dares…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…