Month April 2024

Igbo ArchivesArchives for April 2024

Arochukwu in Flames, 1901

Burning of Arochukwu during the Anglo-Aro War (1901-1902). Donald A MacAlister.
This photograph from the British Museum captures a devastating moment in Igbo history: the burning of Arochukwu, the capital of the Aro Confederacy, in 1901. The image shows mud huts engulfed in flames, a stark reminder of the violence that erupted during the Aro Punitive Expedition.

An Elder of Agukwu Nri. c. 1911 

An Elder of Agukwu Nri, Present-day Anambra State, photographed by Northcote Thomas, c. 1911 and colourized from black and white by Ukpuru.
This colorized photograph, originally captured by Northcote Thomas in approximately 1911, features an Elder of Agukwu Nri. The image is a crucial artifact for understanding traditional Igbo society and its hierarchical structure. It underscores the significance of titleholders and their roles in Igbo culture. The traditional attire visible in the photograph offers insights into social standing and community significance.