Omenala Archives ~ Ozi Ikòrò

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Igbo family in traditional attire. When people talk about pre-colonial African societies, they often imagine kings, chiefs, and empires. But the Igbo of southeastern Nigeria were different. They didn’t have kings…

24

Apr 2025

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Odinani: The Spiritual and Cultural Backbone of the Igbo People

Odinani is the traditional spiritual belief system of the Igbo people from southeastern Nigeria. It centres on the harmony between humans, nature, the unseen world, and the ancestors. Even though…

05

Mar 2025

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory ⁠Religion and Spirituality

The Spiritual Hierarchy of Odinani: Chukwu to Alusi

The Ngene figure, known as Alusi Ngene, is a carved wooden representation that embodies both male & female physical attributes. It features scarification marks & carved bangles on the ankles…

09

Feb 2025

Indigenous Architecture ⁠Religion and Spirituality

Ala, the Earth Mother: The Sacred Guardian of Igbo Morality and Fertility

Ala (also spelled Àlị or Ani) is one of the most significant deities in Igbo cosmology, embodying the earth, morality, fertility and justice. She is the giver of life, the…

24

Sep 2024

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…

05

Sep 2024

Anthropology and Ethnography

Isuama: The Region of the Isu People

Isuama Map by Ukpuru and Isuama-Ibo, Isu tribe, ‘Okorosie’ masquerade. Masks called 'Nwanyioma’ and 'Akatakpuru’ 1931 Who are the Isu People and Where do they inhabit? The Isu people, often referred…

04

Sep 2024

Historical Studies

Trade by Barter: Trading in Pre-Colonial Igboland

Onitsha, 1889, Photographer possibly by G. F. Packer credited with other photos from the Niger and Önïcha (Onitsha) Trade-by-Barter "Trade-by-Barter" was a common practice in all the markets in Ala Igbo…

04

Sep 2024

Cultural Heritage

Mgba: Traditional Igbo Wrestling

Wrestling at Elele is described by P. A. Talbot as wrestling to make the yams grow. Chief Eleche's place, Elele in Some Nigerian Fertility Cults, 1927 Mgba, Igbo traditional wrestling, has…

04

Sep 2024

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…

04

Sep 2024

⁠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.…