Yam Archives ~ Ozi Ikòrò

02

Igbos in diaspora celebrating Iwa-Ji in Dublin, Ireland. Photo credit; Wikipedia Yam (Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea cayenensis) has long been one of the most important food crops in West Africa, especially…

03

Dec 2025

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Duein Fubara: The Ancestor Screen and the Cult of the Forehead

Photo credit: British Museum Among the Ijo (Ijaw) peoples of the Niger Delta, the Duein Fubara stands out as one of the most important sacred objects linking the living to their…

03

Dec 2025

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Folklores

The Solemnity of Iya: The Highest Form of Kalabari Marriage

Photo credit: BellaNaija Weddings Among the Kalabari people of the eastern Niger Delta, marriage is not just a union between individuals. It is a binding relationship between families, lineages, and the…

03

Dec 2025

Anthropology and Ethnography Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies

The Divergent Daughters: Comparing the Cultures of Igboid Subgroups

Photo credit; Wikiwand The word “Igbo” often brings to mind a single ethnic identity, but anyone who has studied the region knows this isn’t the full picture. The Igbo cultural zone…

03

Dec 2025

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Onunu and Seafood Stew: The Influence of the River on Kalabari Cuisine

Photo credit: X.com Food plays a powerful role in shaping cultural identity, and for the Kalabari people of the Niger Delta, cuisine reflects a deep relationship with the watery landscape that…

31

May 2025

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Reinterpreting Masculine Cultural Traditions: The Hidden Influence of Women in Igbo Festivals

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…

04

May 2025

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory

Oke-Aku Festival: A Celebration of Harvest, Unity, and Renewal in Ezza Ezekuna Culture

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…

29

Apr 2025

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies

Aji Ekere Festival of Ebonyi State: A Cultural Bridge Between Tradition and Modernity

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…

24

Apr 2025

Cultural Heritage Ethnohistory Historical Studies

Okorobia: The Role and Relevance of Young Men in Igbo Society from Tradition to Modern Times

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…

01

Feb 2025

Cultural Heritage ⁠Religion and Spirituality

The Igbo Yam Barn: Tradition, Storage, and Celebration

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,…