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 …
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…
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…
Igbo Map by Ukpuru and Aba City photographed by OU and Tours
The Ngwa People
Ngwa is an Igbo subgroup from Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria. The origin of Ngwa people dates back to the 14th century when they migrated from the Igbo heartland, from a village called Umunoha in the present Owerri zone of Imo State…
Isuama Map by Ukpuru and Isuama-Ibo, Isu tribe, ‘Okorosie’ masquerade. Masks called 'Nwanyioma’ and 'Akatakpuru’ 1931
Who are the Isu People and Where do they inhabit?
The Isu people, often referred to as Isuama (translating to, "Isu Region or Land”), are an inland people that inhabit the central region of Igboland, which is situated between Southern…
Awka Blacksmiths David Nwume & John Uzoka, London, 1924-1925
The Awka Blacksmiths
David Nwume and John Uzoka, two blacksmiths from Awka, went to the British Empire Exhibition in 1924–25, which was held in Wembley Park in London, England.
There work was so fascinating that they won prizes in the metalwork category for building "The Awka Gate,"…
Igbo Men with Mgburuichi from Nri. Photographed by Northcote Thomas, c. 1910-1911. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge
The Ichi Scarification
Ichi scarification is an ancient face scarification of the Igbo people of Nigeria.
The scarification is very common amongst men in the Awka-Nri areas and among a few women in the Awgwu and Nkanu areas…
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…
Uli Body Painting and Wall Art
Uli art is an Igbo traditional form of body painting and wall art developed by the Igbo. Uli art is known for its intricate designs and patterns, often featuring geometric shapes, animals, and plants.
Uli samples from Awka District, N.W. Thomas (1910-11)
The art form is typically practiced by women,…
Northcote Thomas Igbo Oja Collections 1909-1913
The Oja Flute
The Igbo people have a very vibrant ancient culture that has survived for years and the Oja flute is one. It is a traditional musical instrument of the Igbo people. It is typically made from wood or bamboo, with a simple, rustic design.
The Oja flute usually…