Ogwugwu: The Great Igbo Spiritual Mother

Uli painting on the walls of the Ogwugwu shrine, Nibo, present-day Anambra State, Nigeria. Photographed by one of Northcote Thomas’s assistants in 1911. Photo: Re-Entanglements. Ogwugwu is a special ancestral spirit in Igbo culture, deeply loved as a powerful mother figure. She connects the living with the spiritual world, especially through rivers and land. This article…

ByIdenze EzemeJuly 28, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

Osenabo Ọgwụ Ịfụzo and Its Dangers in Ọdịnana Igbo Spirituality

Osenabo Ọgwụ Ịfụzo. Photo: Oma's Garden In Igbo culture, spirituality is deeply rooted in Ọdịnana, the traditional practices that connect the Igbo people to their ancestors, deities, and the natural world. Central to this spirituality is the belief in natural spiritual growth guided by spirits such as Agwụ, Ndị Ichie, and Ala, the Earth goddess. …

ByIdenze EzemeJuly 26, 20250Comments

Ofo in Igbo Culture: Symbol of Truth, Justice, and Ancestral Authority

WORSHIP OF ANCESTORS NZE, OFO AND IKENGA (ONIČA OLONA). In Igbo Culture, the word "Ofo" is not an ordinary Stick or Staff. It is a powerful spiritual symbol that carries a lot of meaning. It stands for truth, justice, spiritual connection, and authority. If you want to understand the way Igbo people see the world and…

ByChukwunwike OssaiApril 25, 20250Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

The Igbo people and Palm Oil in Precolonial Times: An Expansive Exploration of Economy, Culture, and Power

In precolonial times, the Igbo people held palm oil (mmanụ nkwụ) in high esteem. Palm oil was more than just a consumable agricultural product It was an important commodity that uplifted societies, boosted creativity, and established social classes. Some of the important roles it played are : 1. Production of Palm Oil: Oil palm trees (Elaeis guineensis) were…

ByChukwunwike OssaiApril 8, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

Understanding the Phrase “Igbo enwe Eze” and Igbo Leadership Systems

The Igwe, also known as the Obi of Onitsha and the Chiefs at the Ofala Festival, Anambra State, Nigeria. Photo: Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation The saying " Igbo enwe Eze," meaning "The Igbo have no king," is often misinterpreted. It is a statement that shows the way of governance in Igbo society without a central leader,…

ByIdenze EzemeJanuary 15, 20251Comment

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies ⁠Religion and Spirituality

The System of Eze Title : An Immortal Gateway in Anioma Culture

©doziearts In various Anioma communities, the Eze title has always been the prestigious pathway to elevated status, also, it embodies the core social and spiritual aspirations. Men, via junior roles usually ascend to the alo and nkpisi positions. While they acquire skills and wealth, they are also given the honor in the eligibility of the Eze title. Aside…

ByChukwunwike OssaiOctober 28, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

Nnukwu Okpu/Ogịdị headdress (Large Cap)

Ndi-Ichie with Okpu Ogịdị, Ofala Festival, Onitsha photo by @Owusi on X/Twitter. An Ndi-Ichie [titled elders] of Onicha (Onitsha) wearing an ogidi headdress also referred to as nnukwu okpu or the 'Great Crown,' mainly worn by titled men of Onitsha during the towns annual Ofala festival. The term “Nnukwu Okpu” translates to “large cap” in Igbo. It…

ByChuka OdikeOctober 21, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

Anioma Igbo Title heirachies and the emerging of Europeans: How Colonialism impacted Anioma’s Structure socially

The Queen of England's visit to Anioma during precolonial times Prioir to British rule, the communities in Anioma all had traditional systems whereby males could get to the seat of authority and merit status through attaining titles such as Ozo and Eze titles, people with these titles are granted respect and political influence, and they mostly…

ByChukwunwike OssaiOctober 2, 20240Comments