Discover the important events, periods, and figures that have shaped Igbo history. These articles provide a detailed look at the historical milestones and their lasting impact on Igbo society.
Igbo societies are intricately structured around agnatic kinship, where lineage and descent play a crucial role. At the heart of this system is the Okpara Ukwu, the first son of a family. The Okpara heads the Umunna, a section of the village tracing its lineage back to a common father. As we…
The Anglo-Aro War (1901-1902) was more than just a military conflict; it represented a profound clash of cultures and ideologies. The Aro Confederacy, along with other southeastern Nigerian communities, fiercely resisted British colonial expansion for over two decades. According to Robert D. Jackson’s “The Twenty Years’ War,” this prolonged resistance…
Northcote Whitridge Thomas, an anthropologist appointed by the British government, embarked on a series of ethnographic expeditions in Nigeria from 1909 to 1915. His work, particularly among the Igbo people, left a lasting impact on the study of African cultures. However, his legacy is intertwined with both significant contributions and…
The Eze Nri, the traditional ruler of the ancient Kingdom of Nri in present-day southeastern Nigeria, stands as a symbol of peace, culture, and spiritual authority in Igbo history. Unlike other African kingdoms, the Eze Nri wielded power not through military might but through religious and cultural influence. This established…
