A boy about to undergo the Dibia initiation in Ohafia-Igbo.
In the Ohafia-Igbo community of southeastern Nigeria, the initiation of a dibia (diviner or spiritual healer) is a revered process steeped in symbolism, mysticism, and spiritual awakening. This rite transforms a young initiate, often a boy or adolescent, marking his journey from ordinary life to a…
Diviner Stephen Nwedozie casting afa chains in Umuazu Nise, Nigeria, 1966. Photo: Herbert Cole.
Stephen Nwedozie, a renowned diviner from Umuazu, Nise, was photographed by Herbert Cole in 1966, casting afa chains. Afa, the Igbo system of divination, is a vital part of the culture and religious practices, offering spiritual guidance and solutions to personal and…
Agaba mask from Achala, 1946. Photo: William Fagg. British Museum. Coloured by Úkpúrú 2017.
The Agaba Masquerade is one of the most revered and powerful masquerades in Igbo culture, known for its fierce appearance and significant spiritual and social roles. It is prevalent in several Igbo-speaking regions, particularly in Anambra, Enugu, and parts of Delta State,…