Igu Aro: The Sacred Proclamation of the Igbo Lunar Year from Nri

Igu Aro is a significant tradition practiced yearly by the Igbo people in Nri, located in Anaocha LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria. This ceremony marks the start of the Igbo traditional New Year and the beginning of the farming season. It holds deep cultural importance, connecting the Igbo people to their ancestors, present lives, and future. Eze…

ByChukwunwike OssaiApril 30, 20250Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

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…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahOctober 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 …

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahOctober 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…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 24, 20240Comments

Nwaokoye Odinigbo, IsiNze ofUruoji, consecratingelephant tusksforfour ozomen who are taking the okike title

Anthropology and Ethnography Ethnohistory

The Influence of Nri: Leadership, Titles, and Cultural Heritage in Igbo Land

Nwaokoye Odinigbo, isi Nze of Uruoji, consecrating elephant tusk for four Ozo men who are taking the okike title Nri culture is one of the most fascinating and significant subcultures in the Igbo cultural area. With unique title and religious systems, which have been adopted by much of Igbo land, Nri’s influence is undeniably profound and…

ByIdenze EzemeSeptember 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…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 23, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory

Ngwa-Ngwa: The Origin of the Ngwa People

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…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 5, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

Isuama: The Region of the Isu People

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…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 5, 20241Comment

Historical Studies

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,"…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 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…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 4, 20241Comment