taboos Archives ~ Ozi Ikòrò

18

In the heart of almost every traditional Igbo community lies a verdant sanctuary known as the Ihu Ala or Ohia Nso (Sacred Grove). These are patches of primary forest preserved…

02

Jan 2026

Anthropology and Ethnography Ethnohistory Historical Studies

The Furnace as a Fecund Mother: Rituals and Symbolism

Iron smelting furnace, nineteenth century. By National Archives of Malawi, CC BY-SA 4.0. Across various African metallurgical traditions, furnaces were never seen merely as technological devices but as deeply symbolic entities…

15

Dec 2025

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Folklores Historical Studies

Iwele Deity in Umuoba Anam: Guardianship, Ancestry, and Spiritual Identity

Within the cultural and religious landscape of Igbo communities in the Anambra River basin, the people of Umuoba Anam hold a distinctive spiritual identity centred around the Iwele deity. Revered…

21

Nov 2025

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Folklores

Onishe: The Mother Spirit of the Asaba People by the Niger River

Photo credit; Shutterstock Among the many indigenous deities of Southern Nigeria, few are as central to the identity of a people as Onishe, the revered mother spirit of the Asaba (Ahaba)…

14

Mar 2025

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage

How Indigenous Beliefs About Sacred Animals Help Protect Wildlife in the Niger Delta and Cross River

Habitat selection by Calabar ground pythons, by sex, in the Niger Delta of southern Nigeria. Data from L. Luiselli et al.’s unpublished research (1994-2014). In many parts of Africa, people believe…

Tag: taboos

Sacred groves (Ihu Ala) – protection and modern threats

The Furnace as a Fecund Mother: Rituals and Symbolism

Onishe: The Mother Spirit of the Asaba People by the Niger River

How Indigenous Beliefs About Sacred Animals Help Protect Wildlife in the Niger Delta and Cross River