Four Market Days, Eke, Orie (also known as Oye), Afọ, and Nkwọ. Photo: Newswatch, October 5, 1985, p. 53."

Symbolism of the Four Market Days in Igbo Culture

Four Igbo Market Days: Eke, Orie, Afọ, and Nkwọ. Photo - Ikesinachi The Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria have a unique and intricate way of understanding time, rooted deeply in their cultural, spiritual, and natural worldview. Their traditional calendar is built around a four-day week—Eke, Orie ( also known as Oye), Afọ, and Nkwọ.…

ByIdenze EzemeMay 23, 20250Comments

The Musical and Cultural Heritage of Akpo: A Glimpse into Igbo Tradition

Akpo, also known as Ogaranya bi n’ugwu, is the second child of the late Nnoebe Dike. He had three children: Amesi, Akpo and Achina. They gave Akpo the name Akponnaya because he resembles his father so much. Later on, his name was shortened to Akpo. Akponnaya married two wives, Ezi and Ihite. Ezi gave birth…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMay 17, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Oke-Aku Festival: A Celebration of Harvest, Unity, and Renewal in Ezza Ezekuna Culture

Oke-Aku Festival is the New Yam Festival that Ezza Ezekuna people do, and it is one big celebration in their culture that brings everybody together to thank God for a better harvest, unity and their community, and a better life that is yet to come. They do it every year as they start their traditional…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMay 4, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

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

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies

Oji: The Sacred Seed of Trade and Tradition in Igbo Land

For Igbo people, kola nuts are not just an ordinary commodity - they are a serious cultural and spiritual item that drives their economy. It is called Ojo, and it plays a big role in the pre-colonial and early colonial times. Kola nuts are used in rituals, for hospitality, and even serve as a form…

ByChukwunwike OssaiApril 26, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Harmony in Four Days: The Spiritual Elements and Cultural Rhythms of the Igbo Market Week

The Igbo people, who live in southern Nigeria, have a strong culture and spiritual beliefs that they use to understand life and the universe. The biggest part of this belief is the four-day market week, known as Nkwo, Eke, Orie, and Afor. These days are not just mere market days for buying and selling; they…

ByChukwunwike OssaiApril 19, 20250Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

Colonial Resistance and Resilience: The Struggle of the Anambra and Anioma in Southern Nigeria (1883–1914

A dagger from the Ekumeku movement, which resisted British imperial rule in the western Igbo region for over two decades (1880s–1910s). Taken from Ogwashi-Ukwu, a key centre of Ekumeku activity, in 1910. Now housed in the British Museum. During colonial times, the Anambra people and the Igbo communities in Delta, especially the Anioma region, faced difficulties.…

ByChukwunwike OssaiApril 9, 20250Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

The Role and Significance of Dibia in Igbo Culture: Bridging the Physical and Spiritual Realms

In lgbo culture, dibia is one big person with power and respect. Dibia is a doctor, priest, healer, and seer joined in one They use spiritual and herbal knowledge to help people connect with the spirit world and also to solve medical problems . Not everybody can be dibia; it is unique, and it's something that someone can…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMarch 12, 20250Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Igbo Market Days: A Window into the Region’s Rich Cultural Heritage

The Igbo people, who live mostly in southern Nigeria, have a rich culture that includes a unique market day system. This system controls how they live, trade, and even pray. The Igbo market day is a four-day calendar with its own name and meaning, guiding their activities. It's not only for buying and selling; it…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMarch 10, 20250Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Ogwashi-Uku: The Heart of Anioma Kinship and Igbo Heritage Across the Niger River

Ogwashi-Uku, is one of the biggest towns in Aniocha south local government area in Delta state, Nigeria. They are part of the Anioma people. They are among ndi Igbo that live in Delta state, west of the Niger River. Ogwashi-Uku is never a small place; its history, culture, and strong family background connect it with the…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMarch 10, 20250Comments