Ejima: Unraveling the Linguistic Roots of Twins in Igbo Culture

Ejima. Photo - IgboRoyalties In Igbo language and culture, "Ejima" describes twins—two siblings born together from the same mother. Within Igbo traditions, twins hold a unique place, often regarded as a divine gift carrying profound spiritual significance. Beyond its basic meaning, "Ejima" also spurs the concept of a "mirror image" or "twin likeness" for many Igbo…

ByIdenze EzemeJune 7, 20252Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography Indigenous Architecture

The Igbo Mbari House: A Cultural and Historical Perspective

"I[g]bo MBARI house. 28/2/46. at EBELE, OWERRI [now in Imo State, Nigeria]. Figures of telephone operators" William Fagg. British Museum. 22 June 2018The Igbo Mbari house is a traditional architectural and artistic expression of the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria. On February 28, 1946, a notable Mbari structure was documented at Ebele, Owerri (now part…

ByChuka OdikeNovember 23, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

Words from Oratta Igbo man from Owerri known as Amuneke

Amuneke of Owerri An Oratta man [Amuneke]? from Owerri. Second slide, words from Amuneke from Owerri and translated by an Okirika man who is part of P. A. Talbot's team. Photo: P. A. Talbot - Tribes of the Niger Delta, 1930s.

ByChuka OdikeOctober 15, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

Shared cultural heritage between the Oratta (Urata) and Etche people

"The goddess of the earth," as described by P. A. Talbot, c. 1932. Musée du quai Branly. This may be Ala, the Igbo earth divinity and the man pictured may be an Eze Ala, a head priest of Ala. Ala is represented by trees and shrubs. Etche and Oratta tribes share several cultural, linguistic, and traditional…

ByChuka OdikeOctober 11, 20240Comments

Anthropology and Ethnography

The Role of the Chief of Ndelle in Ikwerre-Igbo Society: Insights from Percy Amaury Talbot’s Ethnographic Work

The Chief of Ndelle, Ikwerri-Ibo - P.A. Talbot 1916. In Percy Amaury Talbot’s book The Tribes of the Niger Delta (1932), he explores various groups in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, including the Ikwerre-Igbo. Talbot, a British colonial administrator and anthropologist, documented the customs, governance, and social structures of several tribes in this area, offering…

ByChuka OdikeOctober 4, 20240Comments