Igbo Water Divinities: Guardians of Rivers and Lakes

Map of major rivers linked to divinities within Igboland. Photo - Ukpuru In Igbo culture, rivers and lakes are more than just water—they’re alive with powerful spirits. These water divinities, often called river gods and goddesses, are sacred to the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. They represent fertility, wealth, beauty, and power, and their presence shapes…

ByIdenze EzemeMay 15, 20250Comments

Asaba at the Turn of the 20th Century: Colonial Administration and Native Governance

Natives of Asaba: Outside a pagan village, Lower Niger. Photo by G. F. Parker, 1890s. Asaba, located on the western bank of the Niger River, played a pivotal role in the early colonial administration of British Nigeria. As the British expanded their control over the territories previously governed by the Royal Niger Company, they reorganized administrative…

ByChuka OdikeFebruary 23, 20250Comments

Photos

King Oputa of Ogbekin – Historical Illustration from Niger et Bénoué (1880)

An illustration of King Oputa of “Ogbekin,” an Igbo settlement located near the Oshimiri (Niger River). Taken from the book Niger et Bénoué (1880) by Belgian explorer Adolphe Burdo.

ByChuka OdikeJanuary 24, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Photos

Ndoni: Exploring the Heritage of Ndi Oshimili

A titled Igbo woman, Ndoni, present day Rivers State, Nigeria.Lower Niger French Catholic mission postcard, turn of the 20th century. The history and culture of the Igbo people in Nigeria are steeped in rich traditions, one of which includes the remarkable heritage of Ndoni, located in present-day Rivers State. Among these traditions, the title “Une Grande…

ByChuka OdikeJanuary 5, 20250Comments