Alusi shrine with its priest (seated) and the osu (‘ritual slave’), Orsu, West Isuama Igbo. Photograph by G. I. Jones, 1930s. Jones Archive, Southern Illinois University
In different Igbo societies, Osu…
Gracefully seated in mystery and power, the Agwu deity stands as the gentle heart of Igbo spirituality. Photo: Igbo History In Igbo culture, Agwu is a powerful spiritual force that…
Agwu, the revered Igbo deity of wisdom, healing, and divination. Photo: Igbo History In Igbo culture, Agwu is a powerful spiritual force that shapes the lives and destinies of the…
Ngene spirit figure, collected by Northcote Thomas in Awgbu (now in Anambra State, Nigeria) in 1911. Photo: Re-entanglements
In Igbo culture, spirituality is deeply woven into daily life, and…
Four Igbo Market Days: Eke, Orie, Afọ, and Nkwọ. Photo - Ikesinachi The Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria have a unique and intricate way of understanding time, rooted deeply in…
A clay statue of Amadioha placed in an Mbari house, as shown in the 1927 work "Some Nigerian Fertility Cults."
The Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria have a vibrant spiritual heritage…
Haiti’s Independence Day on January 1st is not only a commemoration of the first successful slave revolt in the Americas but also an opportunity to reflect on the African roots…
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…
Chukwu Abiama is a vital part of Igbo culture and spirituality. Its history goes back to before Christianity came to Nigeria. The Igbo people regarded it as an oracle, meaning…
The Arochukwu Long Juju
The Aro people, a branch of the Igbo ethnic group, founded the Arochukwu Long Juju shrine in the 17th century. A renowned Aro priest from…