Nzu Archives ~ Ozi Ikòrò

28

Uli painting on the walls of the Ogwugwu shrine, Nibo, present-day Anambra State, Nigeria. Photographed by one of Northcote Thomas’s assistants in 1911. Photo: Re-Entanglements. Ogwugwu is a special ancestral spirit…

24

Jun 2025

Cultural Heritage

Nzu in Igbo Culture: A Symbol of Purity, Peace, and Spirituality

image: anitaquansahlondon.com Among the many elements of Igbo culture, Nzu (white chalk) holds a special place as a powerful symbol with deep spiritual and social significance. Despite challenges from…

27

May 2025

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Ibe-Ugwu as a Rite of Passage: Exploring Female Initiation and Identity in Ukawu Culture

Map showing the Ukawu community. Photo by Agwu-Ulu Nnachi The People of Ukawu Ukawu is a culturally rich and historically rooted community situated in the present-day Onicha Local Government Area of…

11

May 2025

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…

08

Apr 2025

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

The Igbo people and Palm Oil in Precolonial Times: An Expansive Exploration of Economy, Culture, and Power

In precolonial times, the Igbo people held palm oil (mmanụ nkwụ) in high esteem. Palm oil was more than just a consumable agricultural product It was an important commodity that uplifted societies,…

27

Mar 2025

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Mpkisi Age Grade: The Sustained Relevance of Traditional Governance and Community Development in Anioma Society

The ancestral house in Onicha photo by A mighty tree The Mpkisi Age Grade (which can also be called Otu Mpkisi or Mgbe Mpkisi) is a big deal in the Anioma…

05

Mar 2025

Cultural Heritage

The War Dance Festival (ILA OSO) In Uzuakoli

A group of young people from different age grades at the December 2011 ILA OSO Festival . Photo by Gifty-e The ILA OSO festival is a significant cultural event of the…

29

Dec 2024

Cultural Heritage Historical Studies

The Ngbagba Ikoro Masquerade: Celebrating the Igbo Heritage of Abiriba

Otiri Ngbagba Ikoro Masquerade from Abiriba. Photo: Jones Archive The Ngbagba Ikoro masquerade is a thrilling cultural performance from the Igbo town of Abiriba in Abia State, Nigeria. It…

21

Nov 2024

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Honouring Tradition: Obi Ijeh of Idumuoghu in Igbo Burial Rites

Igbuzo. The deceased clan chief Obi ljeh of Idumuoghu, daubed in chalk to symbolise purity, Bendel, Nigeria, 1978. Photo: Bruno Barbey. The 1978 photograph by Bruno Barbey captures the late Obi…

07

Nov 2024

Cultural Heritage

Ima Nzu: A Celebration of Purity and Tradition in Igbo Culture

Left: George Agbo and Obi Victor Nwokobia talking about nzu during fieldwork in Okpanam. Right: A close-up of the molded chalk. Photos by Glory Chika-Kanu. Ima Nzu is the heart of…

Tag: Nzu

Ogwugwu: The Great Igbo Spiritual Mother

Ibe-Ugwu as a Rite of Passage: Exploring Female Initiation and Identity in Ukawu Culture

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

The Igbo people and Palm Oil in Precolonial Times: An Expansive Exploration of Economy, Culture, and Power

Mpkisi Age Grade: The Sustained Relevance of Traditional Governance and Community Development in Anioma Society

The Ngbagba Ikoro Masquerade: Celebrating the Igbo Heritage of Abiriba

Honouring Tradition: Obi Ijeh of Idumuoghu in Igbo Burial Rites

Ima Nzu: A Celebration of Purity and Tradition in Igbo Culture