Mbari Houses: A Living Tradition of Igbo Architecture, Spiritual and Artistic Expression

Urata-Igbo Mbari house dedicated to Amadioha, photographed by William Fagg in Owerri. British Museum. Introduction Mbari houses are unique cultural and spiritual edifices found in Igbo land, particularly in the Owerri region and some substantial number of towns in Imo states and Rivers States, Nigeria. These ceremonial structures serve as artistic expressions of gratitude to Ala,…

ByChuka OdikeDecember 2, 20240Comments

Cultural Heritage Historical Studies

The Heritage of Ndoki Weaving: Akwete Cloth and the Debate on Cultural Ownership in Southeastern Nigeria

Akwete (Ndoki Igbo) Weaver (Postcard). Akwete cloth, woven by the Ndoki Igbo people, represents a rich textile tradition with deep roots in Southeastern Nigeria. Traditionally, the town of Akwete has been most closely associated with this craft, yet the origins and techniques of weaving in this region are a shared legacy among the Ndoki communities. A…

ByChuka OdikeNovember 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

Ndi Igbo: Meet The Igbo People

Who are the Igbo people? The Igbo people are native to the southeastern part of Nigeria. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa, known for their rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and entrepreneurial spirit. The Igbo language, which is one of the four official languages of Nigeria, is spoken by more than…

ByIdenze EzemeAugust 26, 20243Comments