World of Indigenous Igbo Culture, History & Their Neighbours
Ekwensu is a big name with many meanings in Igbo tradition. It’s not the devil, as people think. Back in the day, Igbo people believed that Ekwensu was a spirit called Alusi, with its functions. What Ekwensu represents in Igbo Culture Back in the day, Ekwensu was a spirit that did things properly God … Read more
Masquerades are a central part of Igbo spirituality, serving as mediums through which ancestral spirits interact with the living. Among these, the Odo masquerade tradition in northern Igboland, specifically in Aku in the Ojebe-Ogene and Nsukka area is a profound ritual that allows deceased elders to return in physical form. While Odo masquerades typically … Read more
Igbo women played significant and powerful roles in pre-colonial Igbo society’s economy. They supported not just their families, but through the control of the food, craft and market industries, they contributed immensely to their community developments. This article will lead you to the contributions of Igbo women in agriculture, local industries and market activities, … Read more
The Ojebe Ogene clan is a historic group of communities in Enugu State, Nigeria, comprising seven towns: Ebe, Abor, Ukana, Awhum, Okpatu, Umulumgbe and Ukehe. The name derives from Ojebe Ogene, a matriarch who, according to oral tradition, was the wife of IgweOnyi and mother to the founders of these towns. Origin and Migration The … Read more
Introduction The Mgbedike masquerade is a prominent cultural performance in Igbo land, particularly in the southeastern region of Nigeria. Known for its striking costumes, powerful dances, and symbolic meanings, Mgbedike translates to “Time of the Brave” or “The Brave One Has Landed.” This masquerade embodies themes of courage, justice, and social order, reflecting the values … Read more
Igbo people, also known as “Ndi Igbo,” have a history rooted deeply in West Africa, with both archaeological and genetic studies offering clear views into their most ancient origins. For instance, evidence from Lejja in Nsukka reveals that over 4,000 years ago, long before the age of Abraham, the Igbo were smelting iron. The archaeological … Read more
Under the waist, there are cloths or plant fibers stuffed to make it stick out, and canvas shoes are worn on the feet. The masquerade moves slowly, exchanging pleasantries with the audience. Known for humor rather than aggression, it entertains through jokes rather than by flogging. The close similarity in action between this Nsukka Oriọkpa … Read more
Igbo Atilogwu is a vibrant and energetic traditional dance performance from the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, significantly in the Wawaa areas of Igboland; parts of Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States. The Atilogwu dance, a highly energetic and acrobatic performance, is one of the most celebrated forms of Igbo cultural expression. Originating from southeastern … Read more
The Lejja sacred site, located in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. This site, including the Onu Oshuru (Oshuru Bottomless Pit), is an ancient structure believed to be tied to spiritual and cultural practices among the Igbo people. According to local lore, the deity Utu-Udele-Igwe, associated with justice and cosmic order, is said to rise from … Read more
“Alaigbo” A breakdown of Igboland cultural regions, ethnic divisions, tribes and sub-tribes. 1. Cross River Igbo (Aro) – Location: Found primarily in the eastern part of Igboland, close to the Cross River area. – Key areas: Arochukwu, Afikpo, Ahaba, Nguzu-Edda, Ihechiowa, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, Abiriba, Bende, and Isiama – Tribes: – Aro – Edda – … Read more