This picture shows a woman who is one of the women maskers of Nkaliki, shot by Herbert Cole in 1983, dancing an Ogbodo Enyi mask amidst her female supporters.
Africa is a continent with many cultures. In places like Southern Nigeria, where the Igbo people live, one culture that almost everybody knows is the masquerade (or…
Oke-Aku Festival is the New Yam Festival that Ezza Ezekuna people do, and it is one big celebration in their culture that brings everybody together to thank God for a better harvest, unity and their community, and a better life that is yet to come. They do it every year as they start their traditional…
The Aji Ekere Festival is one of the oldest and most important festivals celebrated by people in Ebonyi State, especially among the Izzi, Ezza, Ikwo, and other communities. The festival has deep roots in their farming life and traditional beliefs. It means many things, such as Thanksgiving, a cleansing of the spirit, bringing people together,…
Men of Emii showcasing music and dance display at the Okazi Emii Festival 2024 - Ou Travel and Tour.
The word “Okorobia” is a strong cultural word in Igbo land that carries a lengthy meaning. In Igbo society, especially among those living in riverine areas, such as Aboh, Onitsha, Ogba, and others. Means "a matured young…
Introduction
Yam is an essential crop in Igbo culture, often referred to as the “king crop.” It is not just a source of food but also a symbol of wealth, hard work, and prestige. Ndi Igbo have developed an efficient way of storing yams in structures called “Ọba jị”, or yam barns. These barns contain…
The traditional diet of the Igbo people in Southern Nigeria reflects their agrarian lifestyle, cultural values, and resource utilization. Historical accounts, such as those by G. I. Jones and H. Mulhall (1949), as well as photographs and ethnographic studies like those of Gustaf Bolinder (1930–31), provide valuable insights into the food practices and social structures…
Introduction
The New Yam Festival, known locally as Iri ji, Iwa ji or Ike ji, holds significant cultural and spiritual importance among the Igbo people. It is a festival dedicated to giving thanks and honouring Njoku/Ifejioku, the yam deity, and Ala, the earth deity, both of whom play crucial roles in agricultural success. The yam…
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…