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Tag: Igbo identity

The Umu Eze Chima Lineage and the Historical Evolution of Onicha Settlements

Photo with no context, likely Igbo men from Onicha (Onitsha), photographed by Henry Crosse in the late 19th century. MAA Cambridge. The story of Onicha settlements, deeply rooted in the heritage of the Umu Eze Chima lineage, is a significant part of Igbo history. These settlements trace their origins to Eze Chima, a patriarch whose migration…

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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…

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Ezechima: Was He Really a Benin Man?

People of Onicha (Onitsha) photographed by Robert Mcwhirter, 1905-11. The historical figure of Ezechima, often referenced as the progenitor of the Anioma Igbo-speaking communities, has sparked widespread debate concerning his origins. While some accounts suggest that Ezechima was a Benin man who migrated eastward, others argue that he was fundamentally Igbo, with his migration being a…

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The Ngbagba Ikoro Masquerade: Celebrating the Igbo Heritage of Abiriba

Otiri Ngbagba Ikoro Masquerade from Abiriba. Photo: Jones Archive The Ngbagba Ikoro  masquerade is a thrilling cultural performance from the Igbo town of Abiriba in Abia State, Nigeria. It showcases the region's rich art and culture. The Masquerade, with the prominent character Otiri, gives insight into the social life, skills, and creativity…

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The Evolution of Pre-Colonial Igbo Male Hairstyles: Cultural Significance and Transformation

Pre-colonial Igbo hairstyles, Photogrid by Ukpuru. The history of Igbo men’s hairstyles offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural evolution and social structure of the Igbo people. Pre-colonial Igbo hairstyles were much more than just fashion statements; they were symbolic expressions of identity, status, and roles within society. From warrior braids to intricate patterns worn by…

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The Role and Significance of Azụ Anya Mmụọ in Igbo Spirituality: A Window to the Ancestral World

In the spiritual and cultural landscape of the Igbo people, the azụ anya mmụọ or Anya mmụọ—literally translating to “eyes of the spirits”—holds profound significance. This wooden openwork panel, typically located in front of the obi (the central household of a patriarch) in the north-central Igbo area, serves as a boundary between the living world…

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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…

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