This photograph captures a wood carver from Nri-Awka Igbo at work. His hands skillfully shape the wood, transforming it into a powerful figure: an Ikenga. In Igbo culture, the Ikenga is more than just a sculpture. It's a symbol carved from wood, representing an individual's potential for achievement, success, and even their destiny.
This heavy wooden door, known as ḿgbó èzí in the Igbo language, is more than just an entrance. It’s a statement piece, a symbol of status, and a testament to the artistic heritage of the Igbo people. These doors were…
Ceramic group of figures on a stand, made of pottery. In the centre is a man holding a drinking-horn in his left hand and a fan in his right, both signs of his status. Either side of him are two…
This sculpture, captured by William Fagg on February 28, 1946, and currently housed in the British Museum, depicts Ala, the Earth Mother, in Igbo spirituality. She holds a knife in her right hand and rests her left hand on the…
The Nsude pyramids are among Nigeria’s most fascinating historical treasures. Located in Abaja, near the villages of Ngwo and Agbaja Ọwa, these unique structures showcase the ingenuity and cultural depth of the Igbo people. Built entirely from sun-baked clay, the…
Chineke: A Duality, Not a Dichotomy The Relationship Between Chi and Eke In Igbo cosmology, Chineke transcends the simplistic notion of a single God. Instead, it embodies the union of two fundamental forces: According to Igbo oral traditions, Chineke is…
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.
This black and white photograph, taken by G.I. Jones in the 1930s, showcases five intricately carved wooden figures representing Igbo ancestral figures. These figures are placed within an obi, in Ohafia. The photograph is part of the Jones Archive at…
The war towers, such as this one in Awka Nibo Nise, were defensive structures constructed during the Atlantic slave trade. Built within walled family compounds, they served as lookout points, safe houses, and symbols of resilience. The war towers of…
This photograph was taken by G. F. Packer in 1889 and is source from the Pitt Rivers Museum. It features a trader from Timbuktu and a rich trading woman, who who might be a member of the Onitsha women’s Otu…