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

Indigenous Architecture

Nsude Pyramid: Spirituality in Igbo Architecture

A Nsude pyramid taken by G.I Jones 1935 The Nsude Pyramid (Nkpura) Shrine is an archaeological site near the modern-day Enugu community of Nsude, in southeast Nigeria. The Nsude Pyramid was built by the indigenous Igbo people of Nsude and environs. The primary construction material is mud built upward in a circular manner. The exact…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 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

Reincarnation: The Igbo Concept of Birth and Death

Igbo Burial, Journal of The Anthropological Institute Of Great Britain And Ireland Vol.47 1917 The Concept of Life after Death in the Igbo Society In Igbo belief, reincarnation is the idea that the soul is reborn into a new body after death, continuing its journey through life. Igbo people believe that after death, the soul does…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Odinani: Igbo Spirituality And Religion

An Igbo Dibia, Basden, G. T. Among the Ibos of Nigeria, 1921 Odinani Odinani is the traditional spiritual practice and religion of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It is a complex and multifaceted system that encompasses various aspects of Igbo culture, including: - Belief in a supreme being (Chukwu) - Reverence for ancestors and spirits…

ByChizobem Chinedu OpiahAugust 26, 20240Comments