Achina: A Hilltop Igbo Town Rooted in Tradition, Royalty, and the Sacred Rhythm of Nkwa Music

Achina, which people call Achina Idegwu egbe buru oku asoghi anwuru (meaning it is only a brave bird that would carry a burning thing without fear), is one of the towns in Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State. The town is on top of a hill in South Aguata, and if someone wants to use…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMay 24, 20250Comments

Ethnohistory ⁠Religion and Spirituality

Ofo ńa Ogu: Spiritual Foundation of Igbo Religious Belief.

Every group in Igbo society has its own Ofo. The Family Ofo is different from the village Ofo, and the village Ofo also differs from the Ofo of many villages joined together. It is the Okpara (first son) who holds the family Ofo. That is why he leads the religious and political matters in the…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMay 23, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

The Obi: A Cultural and Symbolic Heart of the Igbo-Ukwu Household

The Obi, known in various Igbo dialects as an 'Ovu', 'Obu', 'Iba', 'Ogbiti', etc, is more than just an ordinary house. It is a sacred and community space that carries the identity, power, and tradition of the man who is the head of the house. The Obi is shaped like an oblong with a high…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMay 11, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

The Okpensi Festival as a Pillar of Ancestral Worship and Cultural Identity in Igbo-Ukwu

Okpensi, a symbolic entity that represents an ancestor The Okpensi Festival, which happens at Igbo-Ukwu, a town in Anambra State, Nigeria, is a good spiritual festival that means a lot to Igbo culture. This festival is one of the ways used to honour the ancestors (people who are dead, called Ndi Ichie), and it shows how…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMay 9, 20250Comments

Ethnohistory Historical Studies

Aguleri: The Cradle of Igbo Civilization and Cultural Heritage

Aguleri is an old town in Anambra State, Nigeria, where the people are well-known in Igbo history as one of the oldest and most respected communities in Igboland. Some people see it as the place where the Igbo people first started. The town strongly connects with the legend of Eri, a mystical person people believe…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMay 2, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

The History and Significance of the Igbo Red Cap (Okpu Mme / Okpu Ododo)

The Okpu mme or red cap of the present-day Omu of Okpanam. Photograph by George Agbo. The red cap, called Okpu Mme or Okpu Ododo , is essential in Igbo culture, especially in communities that follow the Nze na Ozo title system. The cap has strong cultural and spiritual meaning, and its…

ByIdenze EzemeJanuary 25, 20252Comments

Cultural Heritage

Understanding the Phrase “Igbo enwe Eze” and Igbo Leadership Systems

The Igwe, also known as the Obi of Onitsha and the Chiefs at the Ofala Festival, Anambra State, Nigeria. Photo: Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation The saying " Igbo enwe Eze," meaning "The Igbo have no king," is often misinterpreted. It is a statement that shows the way of governance in Igbo society without a central leader,…

ByIdenze EzemeJanuary 15, 20251Comment

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies

Ada Nshi and Okpala Nshi: The Role Nri traveling Priests played in Building Anioma’s Ritual and Cultural Practices

Ndi Anioma, like other Igbo groups, have long kept deep cultural and spiritual ties to Nri, an ancient aristocratic and theocratic kingdom dated from 9th century. An important part of the connection was made possible by male and female ritual specialists of Nri, Okpala nshi (male priest) and Ada nshi (female priestess). Eze Nri sent sent them…

ByChukwunwike OssaiOctober 12, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Ethnohistory

Unveiling Ogwashi Ukwu’s Rich Heritage: A Historical Reflection

A titled Igbo man from Ogwashi Ukwu, (Aniocha), Enuani in Delta State, photographed by Northcote Thomas in 1912, and later colorized by Ukpuru in 2019. Ogwashi Ukwu was founded by Odaigbo (Adaigbo), a descendant of Eze Nri from Agukwu Nri. The progenitor of Ogwashi-Ukwu, one Odiagbo, is said to have been banished from Nri for committing an…

ByChuka OdikeSeptember 27, 20240Comments