Ibini Ukpabi: The Arochukwu Long Juju

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 Agbagwu, is credited with establishing the shrine. He is believed to have discovered the Long Juju (Ibini Ukpabi), a supernatural being, in a cave. The…

ByChikwereOctober 17, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory

Nwaotam Masquerade: A Representation of the Ottam (Ndoki) People

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 …

ByChikwereOctober 2, 20240Comments

Indigenous Architecture

Nsude Pyramid: Spirituality in Igbo Architecture

A Nsude pyramid taken by G.I Jones 1935 The Nsude Pyramid (Nkpura) Shrine is an archaeological site near the modern-day Enugu community of Nsude, in southeast Nigeria. The Nsude Pyramid was built by the indigenous Igbo people of Nsude and environs. The primary construction material is mud built upward in a circular manner. The exact…

ByChikwereSeptember 24, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory

Nshi/Nri Kingdom: The Cradle of Igbo Civilization

Eze Nri Obalike sounding his bell, Thomas Northcote Ọ̀ràézè Ǹrì In the heart of southeastern Nigeria, the ancient Kingdom of Nri flourished as a powerful medieval entity, extending its spiritual and political sway across vast swathes of Igboland, with the revered Eze Nri at its helm. The kingdom (more or less a Priestdom) influenced a large…

ByChikwereSeptember 23, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

The Ichi Tradition: A Symbol of Identity and Nobility Among the Igbo

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…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Amadioha: The Igbo God of Thunder

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…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Iri Ji: The Igbo New Yam Festival

Yam barn, Onitsha Province, Eastern Region, Nigeria, 1967, Photographed by Drs. G.W. Grootenhuis Iri Ji: Preparation, Organization and Significance Iri Iji is a vibrant traditional Igbo yam festival, celebrated by the majority of Igbo people from various clans. Yams are a staple crop in Igbo culture, representing abundance, fertility, and prosperity. Iri Iji is typically celebrated…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Igbo Cosmology: The Igbo Worldview

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…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Reincarnation: The Igbo Concept of Birth and Death

Igbo Burial, Journal of The Anthropological Institute Of Great Britain And Ireland Vol.47 1917 The Concept of Life after Death in the Igbo Society In Igbo belief, reincarnation is the idea that the soul is reborn into a new body after death, continuing its journey through life. Igbo people believe that after death, the soul does…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Odinani: Igbo Spirituality And Religion

An Igbo Dibia, Basden, G. T. Among the Ibos of Nigeria, 1921 Odinani Odinani is the traditional spiritual practice and religion of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It is a complex and multifaceted system that encompasses various aspects of Igbo culture, including: - Belief in a supreme being (Chukwu) - Reverence for ancestors and spirits…

ByChikwereAugust 26, 20240Comments

Tag: Igbo Sprirituality

Ibini Ukpabi: The Arochukwu Long Juju

Nwaotam Masquerade: A Representation of the Ottam (Ndoki) People

Nsude Pyramid: Spirituality in Igbo Architecture

Nshi/Nri Kingdom: The Cradle of Igbo Civilization

The Ichi Tradition: A Symbol of Identity and Nobility Among the Igbo

Amadioha: The Igbo God of Thunder

Iri Ji: The Igbo New Yam Festival

Igbo Cosmology: The Igbo Worldview

Reincarnation: The Igbo Concept of Birth and Death

Odinani: Igbo Spirituality And Religion

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