Ugbo: A Living Archive of Ancient Igbo Civilization and Cultural Resilience in Enugu State

Ugbo has been in existence since ancient times. It is said that people have been residing there as far back as 3000 BC. Ugbo is one of the first communities that settle east of river niger. They believe it is a man they call Ewa who is the ancestor of many towns like Amoli, Agbudu,…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMay 1, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Igbo Etiti: Preserving Culture and Agricultural Prosperity in the Heart of Enugu State

Igbo Etiti is a local government area (LGA) in Enugu State, rich in Igbo culture, fertile farming land, and a strong history. It is located in the northern part of Enugu and is an area where numerous Igbo communities come together, showcasing unity, pride, and a strong work ethic. Their history comes from stories, old…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMay 1, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

The Global Face of Igbo Art: Uli, Masks, and Modern Masterpieces

The Igbo people are one of Nigeria's largest ethnic groups. Their knowledge of culture and creativity is so overwhelming. For centuries, art forms like Uli body painting, masks, and Mbari houses have influenced modern literature and global art. The Igbo people had already displayed their creativity. Traditional Igbo Art is the Root of Creativity Igbo lady decorating…

ByChukwunwike OssaiApril 24, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Indigenous Architecture ⁠Religion and Spirituality

Mbari Artists: The Spiritual Painters of the Igbo People

Mbari is a unique and deeply spiritual artistic tradition of the Igbo people, specifically practiced in the Urata (Oratta) and Echie (Etche) regions of present-day Imo State and Rivers State. These magnificent structures are votive shrines built to honor deities, particularly Ala, the Earth Mother, and feature a gallery of human, mythical, and divine figures…

ByChuka OdikeFebruary 9, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

The Sacred Art of Mbari Houses: A Glimpse into Igbo Votive Shrine Galleries

photographed by A. A. Whitehouse, 1904. Mbari houses are sacred votive shrine galleries created by the Urata-Echie Igbo people, primarily in what is now Imo and Rivers States, Nigeria. These structures are built in honour of deities, most commonly Ala, the Igbo Earth Mother, as well as other significant spiritual entities such as Amadioha (the god…

ByChuka OdikeJanuary 21, 20250Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage Photos

Mbari house female painter in Owerri.

"[An Igbo] spirit worker painting the walls of an Mbari nearing completion. Note the double Mami Wata images at left. Photo 1930s, [Near Owere (Owerri)]." - Herbert Cole, 1988.

ByChuka OdikeDecember 23, 20240Comments