Importance of Kolanuts in Igboland
In Igbo culture, kolanuts hold spiritual and symbolic significance. The number of cotyledons (lobes) on a kolanut determines its importance each type associated with different blessings or ideals in Igbo society.
1. Three Cotyledons (Oji Ikenga or Oji Dike): Symbolizing strength and achievement, this type of kolanut is linked to luck,…
Onu Oshuru (lit. Oshuru Bottomless Pit), one of several structures found at the Lejja communal sacred solar plaza, Nsukka. Utu-Udele-Igwe, a solar-tree deity of justice in this locale is said to rise from the pit each day. Image source: Acholonu and Davis (2013).
The Lejja sacred site, located in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. This site, including…
Artist Ben Enwonwu (right) with Secretary-General U. Thant unveiling Enwonwu's statue Anyanwu, the Igbo sun deity, UN Headquarters, New York, October 1966. UN Photo/ Teddy Chen.
Ben Enwonwu’s Anyanwu is an iconic sculpture that reflects the Igbo sun deity, symbolizing hope and renewal. The statue was presented at the United Nations headquarters in New York in…
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 …
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…
Igbo Men with Mgburuichi from Nri. Photographed by Northcote Thomas, c. 1910-1911. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge
Before the incursion of Christian missionary activity into Igbo society, this ichi marking was an important protective mechanism for its bearers against the convoluted social fabrics in Igbo society. Those with distinctive facial scars were partly immune from…
Usòrò: Urata-Igbo Mbari house dedicated to Amadioha, photographed by William Fagg, near Owerri
Amadioha
Amadioha is the Arusi or Agbara of thunder and lightning of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. He is amongst the most popular of Igbo deities and in some parts of Igboland, he is goes by various names across Igboland such as…
Conceptual Interpretation of the Igbo world view, Henderson, 1972:123
Igbo Cosmology
Igbo cosmology refers to the traditional understanding of the universe and the nature of reality of the Igbo people of West Africa.
The key aspects of Igbo Cosmology includes:
Supreme Being: Chukwu (also known as Chineke) is the supreme deity, creator of the…