Between Faith and Heritage: The Catholic Priest Protecting Igbo Traditional Artifacts

Father Paul Obayi. Image: thestreetjournal.org The Igbo say, “Ọnụ anaghị atụ egwu, ọ na-agwa mmadụ eziokwu”( the mouth that tells the truth does not tremble). And in Nsukka, one man dares to tell the truth about a forgotten part of Igbo identity, the truth hidden behind wooden masks, dust, and silence. Father Paul Obayi, a Catholic…

ByChinemerem OkwuchukwuOctober 20, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

Nzu: Igbo Sacred Chalk, Its Cultural and Spiritual Importance

Left: George Agbo and Obi Victor Nwokobia discussing nzu during fieldwork in Okpanam; Right: close-up of the molded chalk. / Glory Chika-Kanu. Ọdinala, also known as Ọdinani, translates to "as it is in the Earth/land"; it is the ancestral spiritual science of the Igbo people. This represents traditional Igbo beliefs that Ani/Ala, the Divine Earth Mother,…

ByIdenze EzemeOctober 30, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory

Nwaotam Masquerade: A Representation of the Ottam (Ndoki) People

Nwaotam Masquerade Play at Akirika Ukwu-Ndoki in 2021, Photographed by Ndoki Nmanma Nu Media Crew WHO ARE THE OTTAM/OTAM PEOPLE? The Ndoki people, before the popularization of the Name Ndoki were known as "Otam/Ottam" people. This was recorded in Captain Crow's Map and on the Dialect Mapping done by Rev. John Clarke in 1848 in …

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahOctober 2, 20240Comments

Nwaokoye Odinigbo, IsiNze ofUruoji, consecratingelephant tusksforfour ozomen who are taking the okike title

Anthropology and Ethnography Ethnohistory

The Influence of Nri: Leadership, Titles, and Cultural Heritage in Igbo Land

Nwaokoye Odinigbo, isi Nze of Uruoji, consecrating elephant tusk for four Ozo men who are taking the okike title Nri culture is one of the most fascinating and significant subcultures in the Igbo cultural area. With unique title and religious systems, which have been adopted by much of Igbo land, Nri’s influence is undeniably profound and…

ByIdenze EzemeSeptember 24, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

The Ichi Tradition: A Symbol of Identity and Nobility Among the Igbo

Igbo Men with Mgburuichi from Nri. Photographed by Northcote Thomas, c. 1910-1911. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge Before the incursion of Christian missionary activity into Igbo society, this ichi marking was an important protective mechanism for its bearers against the convoluted social fabrics in Igbo society. Those with distinctive facial scars were partly immune from…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Amadioha: The Igbo God of Thunder

Usòrò: Urata-Igbo Mbari house dedicated to Amadioha, photographed by William Fagg, near Owerri Amadioha Amadioha is the Arusi or Agbara of thunder and lightning of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. He is amongst the most popular of Igbo deities and in some parts of Igboland, he is goes by various names across Igboland such as…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 4, 20241Comment

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Iri Ji: The Igbo New Yam Festival

Yam barn, Onitsha Province, Eastern Region, Nigeria, 1967, Photographed by Drs. G.W. Grootenhuis Iri Ji: Preparation, Organization and Significance Iri Iji is a vibrant traditional Igbo yam festival, celebrated by the majority of Igbo people from various clans. Yams are a staple crop in Igbo culture, representing abundance, fertility, and prosperity. Iri Iji is typically celebrated…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 4, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

Uli: Traditional Igbo Tattoo and Wall Art

Here’s the information without asterisks: Uli painting on the walls of ‘Odelegu’ in Nibo, present-day Anambra State, Nigeria. Photographed by Northcote W. Thomas in 1911. This is a composite of NWT 3125a (MAA P.31342) and NWT 3127 (MAA P.31344). Uli, or Uri (in some parts of Igboland), is an intricately beautiful and vibrant body art that…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 4, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

Oja: Melody and Solemnity In Igbo Society

Northcote Thomas Igbo Oja Collections 1909-1913 The Oja Flute The Igbo people have a very vibrant ancient culture that has survived for years and the Oja flute is one. It is a traditional musical instrument of the Igbo people. It is typically made from wood or bamboo, with a simple, rustic design. The Oja flute usually…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Igbo Cosmology: The Igbo Worldview

Conceptual Interpretation of the Igbo world view, Henderson, 1972:123 Igbo Cosmology Igbo cosmology refers to the traditional understanding of the universe and the nature of reality of the Igbo people of West Africa. The key aspects of Igbo Cosmology includes: Supreme Being: Chukwu (also known as Chineke) is the supreme deity, creator of the…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 4, 20240Comments