World of Indigenous Igbo Culture, History & Their Neighbours
Once upon a time, in a land brimming with life and laughter, there lived a wise old Tortoise with his children. One day, Tortoise sat his children down and said, “My dear ones, remember two things in life—never take what isn’t yours, and always tell the truth.” His children nodded earnestly, replying, “We understand, Father.” … Read more
Oge Ihezue Omee Acrobatic Dancers is a cultural dance group rooted in the rich traditions of the Umumgbede clan in Mmaku, Enugu State, Nigeria. Established in 1974, the group was formed to represent the Okwulofia Community in various cultural events, both locally and beyond. With a unique blend of energetic Atilogwu dance and acrobatic displays, … Read more
The Nchaka Festival is a prestigious annual celebration among Ndi Ogba of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. This event, typically held between November and December, marks the end of the farming season and serves as a time for thanksgiving, purification, and communal unity. The festival, which centers around the yam, the king … Read more
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 purposes. Asele’s artistic talent came from Ala, the Earth Mother, who is the source of creativity … Read more
The Ojeh & Arishi Festival in Aboh Kingdom is more than a festival. It is a time when the people of Aboh come together to honour their ancestors, celebrate their traditions, and strengthen their community. The festival happens every year in Aboh Kingdom, which is along the River Niger in Delta State, Nigeria. It is … Read more
The Agbeji Masquerade is a very special masquerade from the Enugu-Ezike community in Enugu State, Nigeria. It is unique because it is one of the few female masquerades in Igbo culture. Most Igbo masquerades are male and represent spirits, ancestors, or warriors. However, Agbeji is different. It is feminine, dances gracefully, and is known for … Read more
In West African masquerade traditions, the role of the masker is overwhelmingly male-dominated, with women largely excluded from direct participation. However, a remarkable deviation from this norm occurred in Nkaliki, an Izzi (northeastern Igbo) village group in present-day Ebonyi State, Nigeria. In 1975, the community oracle, Uke, instructed the women of Nkaliki to organize … Read more
Dance has always played a significant role in Igbo cultural expression, serving as a form of storytelling, entertainment, and spiritual connection. One of the most physically demanding and visually captivating dance traditions is Egwu Ụkpọ, or the Guinea-Fowl Dance, primarily performed by the Ụmụnri (Nri people) and other related Igbo groups in Anambra State, … Read more
A long time ago, in a small village, there lived a young Snake-Lizard and his mother. They were poor but hardworking. Every day, Snake-Lizard helped his mother with chores and brought food for them to eat. One day, Snake-Lizard went to the farm and harvested seven baskets of vegetables. He carried them home happily and … Read more
Masquerades are a central part of Igbo spirituality, serving as mediums through which ancestral spirits interact with the living. Among these, the Odo masquerade tradition in northern Igboland, specifically in Aku in the Ojebe-Ogene and Nsukka area is a profound ritual that allows deceased elders to return in physical form. While Odo masquerades typically … Read more