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 to as Isuama (translating to, "Isu Region or Land”), are an inland people that inhabit the central region of Igboland, which is situated between Southern…
Wrestling at Elele described by P. A. Talbot as wrestling to make the yams grow. Chief Eleche's place, Elele in Some Nigerian Fertility Cults, 1927
The Igbo Wrestling Sport
Mgba, Igbo traditional wrestling has been an exceedingly popular sport amongst the Igbo people. Young, physically fit Igbo men engage in this practice, which acknowledges strength and…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…