Ibini Ukpabi: The Arochukwu Long Juju

The Arochukwu Long Juju The Aro people, a branch of the Igbo ethnic group, founded the Arochukwu Long Juju shrine in the 17th century. A renowned Aro priest from Agbagwu, is credited with establishing the shrine. He is believed to have discovered the Long Juju (Ibini Ukpabi), a supernatural being, in a cave. The…

ByChikwereOctober 17, 20240Comments

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 was built by the indigenous Igbo people of Nsude and environs. The primary construction material is mud built upward in a circular manner. The exact…

ByChikwereSeptember 24, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory

Nshi/Nri Kingdom: The Cradle of Igbo Civilization

Eze Nri Obalike sounding his bell, Thomas Northcote Ọ̀ràézè Ǹrì In the heart of southeastern Nigeria, the ancient Kingdom of Nri flourished as a powerful medieval entity, extending its spiritual and political sway across vast swathes of Igboland, with the revered Eze Nri at its helm. The kingdom (more or less a Priestdom) influenced a large…

ByChikwereSeptember 23, 20240Comments

Ethnohistory

Ngwa-Ngwa: The Origin of the Ngwa People

Igbo Map by Ukpuru and Aba City photographed by OU and Tours The Ngwa People Ngwa is an Igbo subgroup from Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria. The origin of Ngwa people dates back to the 14th century when they migrated from the Igbo heartland, from a village called Umunoha in the present Owerri zone of Imo State…

ByChikwereSeptember 5, 20240Comments

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 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…

ByChikwereSeptember 5, 20240Comments

Historical Studies

Awka to London: David Nwume & John Uzoka The Awka Blacksmiths

Awka Blacksmiths David Nwume & John Uzoka, London, 1924-1925 The Awka Blacksmiths David Nwume and John Uzoka, two blacksmiths from Awka, went to the British Empire Exhibition in 1924–25, which was held in Wembley Park in London, England. There work was so fascinating that they won prizes in the metalwork category for building "The Awka Gate,"…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

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 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…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠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. 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…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

⁠Religion and Spirituality

Iri Ji: The Igbo New Yam Festival

Yam barn, Onitsha Province, Eastern Region, Nigeria, 1967, Photographed by Drs. G.W. Grootenhuis Iri Ji: Preparation, Organization and Significance Iri Iji is a vibrant traditional Igbo yam festival, celebrated by the majority of Igbo people from various clans. Yams are a staple crop in Igbo culture, representing abundance, fertility, and prosperity. Iri Iji is typically celebrated…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage

Uli: Traditional Igbo Tattoo and Wall Art

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…

ByChikwereSeptember 4, 20240Comments

Tag: South East

Ibini Ukpabi: The Arochukwu Long Juju

Nsude Pyramid: Spirituality in Igbo Architecture

Nshi/Nri Kingdom: The Cradle of Igbo Civilization

Ngwa-Ngwa: The Origin of the Ngwa People

Isuama: The Region of the Isu People

Awka to London: David Nwume & John Uzoka The Awka Blacksmiths

The Ichi Tradition: A Symbol of Identity and Nobility Among the Igbo

Amadioha: The Igbo God of Thunder

Iri Ji: The Igbo New Yam Festival

Uli: Traditional Igbo Tattoo and Wall Art

Best Choice for Creatives