Gender Flexibility and Authority in Igbo Culture

The Igbo people have a good political system, which they call a dual-sex system. In this system, men and women share power, but it does not mean one person is under the other. Instead, men and women have separate groups that do things, but still work together to ensure that society is balanced. Alusi Ifejioku –…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMay 23, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Igbo Women’s Impact in Trade: A Historical Perspective

The Igbo women were very powerful in business, as they controlled small markets and far trade in southern Nigeria before 1900. They were big players in the market—they handled everything from the local market to the international trade, including the slave trade, and later, they switched to palm oil and other goods. Dominance in Local Markets The…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMay 15, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies

The Impact Of Western Influence On Igbo Women Leadership: Story Of Marginalization and Strong Head

Omu of Obior, HRH Omu Onyebuchie Okonkwo. The Igbo people in southern Nigeria are known for their good and balanced ways of governance. This gives both men and women correct roles in society. Before colonization by the whites, the Igbo land had always operated a dual-sex system, which means both men and women shared power…

ByChukwunwike OssaiApril 24, 20250Comments

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, boosted creativity, and established social classes. Some of the important roles it played are : 1. Production of Palm Oil: Oil palm trees (Elaeis guineensis) were…

ByChukwunwike OssaiApril 8, 20250Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Historical Studies Indigenous Architecture

The Impact of Christianity on Women’s Power in Anioma: From Pre-Colonial Influence to Modern Subjugation

"Igbo woman from Illah. Southern Nigeria." Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. [Postcard] In the present day, Christianity has really subdued women's power. Christian practices changed how women lived from what it used to be during Pre-Colonial times. Back in the day, Anioma women had a strong influence in society; they controlled numerous happenings. However, since Christian missionaries…

ByChukwunwike OssaiMarch 1, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage

Omu: A Unique Female Leader in Igboland

Most of the traditional leaders in Igbo society are men. However, there is a particular tradition in Western (also known as Anioma) and some part of Northern Igboland whereby women also have leadership roles. This tradition isn’t something new; history shows that women have often been involved in leadership and governance in Igbo society. One…

ByIdenze EzemeJanuary 25, 20250Comments

Historical Studies

Colonial Impact on Igbo Women’s Economic Activities (1900–1960)

Women Going to a Rural Market The coming of British colonialism brought deep changes to the socio-economic structures of Southeastern Nigeria. Igbo women, who had been central and vital to the pre-colonial economy, lost opportunities and faced challenges as colonial policies, which were anti-women, disrupted their traditional practices to introduce new economic systems. In the article,…

ByIdenze EzemeJanuary 15, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Historical Studies

The Economic Role of Igbo Women in Pre-Colonial Igbo Society

Wealthy Market women in Onicha. G. F. Packer, 1880s. Pitt Rivers Museum. Igbo women played significant and powerful roles in pre-colonial Igbo society's economy. They supported not just their families, but through the control of the food, craft and market industries, they contributed immensely to their community developments. This article will lead you to the contributions…

ByIdenze EzemeJanuary 15, 20250Comments

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies

Gender Equality in Anioma and Preserving traditions: Balancing the dominance of men in Community Leadership

OMU OF ANIOMA,OKPANAM, HRM OBI MARTHA DUNKWU In Anioma, women played a crucial role through their associations in making sure there's gender balance in political and social spheres. Omu group , with Otu Umu Ada and Otu Inyemedi, acted as the key institutions that gave opportunity for women's significance and influence on the affairs of the community. Omu…

ByChukwunwike OssaiOctober 3, 20240Comments