Awka to London: David Nwume & John Uzoka The Awka Blacksmiths

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,"…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

Trade by Barter: Trading in Pre-Colonial Igboland

Onitsha, 1889, Photographer possibly by G. F. Packer credited with other photos from the Niger and Önïcha (Onitsha) Trade-by-Barter "Trade-by-Barter" was a common practice in all the markets in Ala Igbo before the introduction of the cash economy. People exchanged goods like farm produce, livestock, crafts, and services without using money. Goods were exchanged based on…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

Mgba: Traditional Igbo Wrestling

Wrestling at Elele described by P. A. Talbot as wrestling to make the yams grow. Chief Eleche's place, Elele in Some Nigerian Fertility Cults, 1927 The Igbo Wrestling Sport Mgba, Igbo traditional wrestling has been an exceedingly popular sport amongst the Igbo people. Young, physically fit Igbo men engage in this practice, which acknowledges strength and…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 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

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

Cultural Heritage

Uli: Traditional Igbo Tattoo and Wall Art

Here’s the information without asterisks: Uli painting on the walls of ‘Odelegu’ in Nibo, present-day Anambra State, Nigeria. Photographed by Northcote W. Thomas in 1911. This is a composite of NWT 3125a (MAA P.31342) and NWT 3127 (MAA P.31344). Uli, or Uri (in some parts of Igboland), is an intricately beautiful and vibrant body art that…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

Oja: Melody and Solemnity In Igbo Society

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…

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

Man sitting and playing an Ikoro Drum Source: mongst the Igbos, G.T Basden (1921)

Cultural Heritage

Ikoro: Igbo’s Ancient Communication Slit Drum

Ikoro Drum, Amongst the Igbos, G.T Basden (1921) Ikoro Ikoro is a traditional Igbo drum used in Igbo culture and tradition. It is a large, slit drum made from a hollowed-out log, typically played with sticks or mallets. Ikoro drums are an integral part of Igbo music, communication, and ceremonies, used to: - Convey messages and…

ByChikwereAugust 26, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

Ndi Igbo: Meet The Igbo People

Who are the Igbo people? The Igbo people are native to the southeastern part of Nigeria. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa, known for their rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and entrepreneurial spirit. The Igbo language, which is one of the four official languages of Nigeria, is spoken by more than…

ByIde NzeAugust 26, 20241Comment

Tag: Ndi Igbo

Awka to London: David Nwume & John Uzoka The Awka Blacksmiths

Trade by Barter: Trading in Pre-Colonial Igboland

Mgba: Traditional Igbo Wrestling

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

Iri Ji: The Igbo New Yam Festival

Uli: Traditional Igbo Tattoo and Wall Art

Oja: Melody and Solemnity In Igbo Society

Igbo Cosmology: The Igbo Worldview

Ikoro: Igbo’s Ancient Communication Slit Drum

Ndi Igbo: Meet The Igbo People

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