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Tag: Osu

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Alusi shrine with its priest (seated) and the osu (‘ritual slave’), Orsu, West Isuama Igbo. Photograph by G. I. Jones, 1930s. Jones Archive, Southern Illinois University
Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

The Osu Institution in Igbo Society: Outcasts, Priestly Functions, and the Atlantic Slave Trade

Alusi shrine with its priest (seated) and the osu (‘ritual slave’), Orsu, West Isuama Igbo. Photograph by G. I. Jones, 1930s. Jones Archive, Southern Illinois University In different Igbo societies, Osu are seen as outcasts or are part of a caste system. It has made people known as Osu discriminated against, especially in terms of who…
August 24, 20250Comments

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Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies

Umuada: The Silent Matriarchs of Igbo Society and the Spirit of African Feminism

Ụmụada Group   Umuada is a strong traditional group among Igbo people in Southeast Nigeria. Women who created it are daughters of one lineage or community. Whether they are married or not. The word "Umuada" is derived from the Igbo words "Umu" (meaning "children" or "plenty") and "ada" (meaning "daughter"), so it translates to "daughters of the…
April 26, 20250Comments

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Ethnohistory ⁠Religion and Spirituality

From Chi to Christ: How the Igbo Balanced Traditional Beliefs with Christianity

Rev. Father OKENYE FIDELIS ONWUDUFOR. A Catholic Priest In Anambra State The Igbo people, who reside in Southeastern Nigeria, know how to adapt well, and they have a strong culture. Inside their Belief, "chi" is very important - it is like a personal spirit or god that guides someone's life and destiny. When Christianity entered Igbo…
April 25, 20250Comments

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Ethnohistory ⁠Religion and Spirituality

The Osu/Diala Divide: Understanding the Caste Conflict in Igboland

Introduction The Osu caste system in Igboland has been a deeply entrenched traditional belief that divides communities and fosters discrimination, segregation, and violence. It categorizes individuals into two broad groups: the Osu, considered outcasts or slaves dedicated to deities, and the Diala, the freeborn who are regarded as superior members of society. This classification has…
January 12, 20250Comments

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