odumchi:

Next is Igbo Religion.
Igbo religion is a complex matter since the Igbos did notall worship the same deities. In the early days, the Igbos practiced Anscestor worship. This is a type of traditional religion in which time, space and the universe was governed by a council of deceased elders who resided in the spirit world. However, as time passed and religious ideals became more complex, Igbos began adopting deities in addition with ancestral worship.

Out of thee many gods and deities which often differed from town to town, three main "gods" arose[b]: Anyawu (who was worhsipped mainly in northern Igboland), Amadioha (Who was worshipped mainly in South Igboland) and Chukwu.[/b]

Anywawu was the sun god. He was worshipped because he was seen as the producer of daylight and he sun.

Amadioha (litteraly translated means "the free will of the people". Amadioha was a god of thunder and lightning, the god of power and action who was there to serve justice to the people.

Chukwu was the last of these "deities" to come into existence. Chukwu, originally Chi-ukwu (meaning the great god) came from Arochukwu. The people of Arochukwu were the original worshippers of Chukwu- A diety who was seen as the supreme God of all creation. The people of Arochukwu recognised the presence of many other dieties such as Amadioha but continued to worshuip only Chukwu, and were perhaps a monptheistic people. The idea of Chukwu spread throughout all of Igboland andtoday it has come to mean the one true God.

ha! just because I reminded, you brought up this topic of Igbo religion. And yet you you are trying to preach christianity by attempting to similarise Odinani with christianity. You are WRONG.

Chukwu was worsipped by most Igbo and not only the Arochukwu. The Arochukwu probably named themselves after Chukwu. Chukwu came first because without Chukwu, the other deities/ Alusi such as the Greater Alusi : Ala, Amadioha (Kamalu), Anyanwu, Igwe and the lesser Alusi, such as Njoku Ji, Agwu Nsi, Ndebunze, Ikenga, Ekwensu, etc., would never have come into existence.

Chukwu is not the only God. He is just the Supreme God and the Creator of everything in the universe and his abode. Chukwu is like Zeus , Olodumare, Brahma, etc.


Igbo also believe in reincarnation and do not beleive in heaven or hell.

There are so many things wrong with your post that I don't know where to start. But why is it that on NL everyone thinks they're an expert on Igbo affairs?

First of all Odinani does not automatically mean Igbo religion. Odinani means tradition and culture virtually like Omenali. Odinani is still practiced today.

Second of all old Igbo religions believed in Heaven and Hell. Reincarnation was not necissarily a belief. Reincarnation was just the passing down of behavior and ones spiritual attitude.
Heaven- was unification with the ancestors in ogonmuo (the spirit world).
Hell - was for those who were denied unification with the ancestors and they ended up in the evil forest.

Thirdly, Chukwu came into existence in the late 1600s after Arochukwu was founded. Chukwu was the god that resided in the oracle which was at Arochukwu. At first only the Aros and their close neighbors worshipped Chukwu, but soon the concept of Chukwu (as a great god) spread throughout all of Igboland and by 1900, Chukwu was common knowledge. However, Chukwu does not really equal the Aro god any superior god could mean Chukwu which litteraly means (the great god). It does not refer to the Aro god. Basically everyone had the concept of Chukwu but it was never the same god.

Your second paragraph is entirely wrong. Chukwu came into existence around 1690. Everyone prior to that had a deity of their own. 


Please I suggest you take a back seat and just enjoy the information given to you on this thread. This isn't a place where everyone is invited to "contribute".

<quote>

This isn't a place where everyone is invited to "contribute".

</quote>

Well, you know how to keep me quiet and in the background - keep your marvellous culture "strictly Igbo" and do not implicitly or explicitly encroach into areas that are not Igbo and those that do not wish to indentify as igbo.

Stuffs like "Nri was respected all over Southern Nigeria"; "Agbor was a Kingdom"; "Aro was an Empire" . . . .will make me a self-invited contributor.
You already know this but I thought it was worth reminding you.

odumchi

sorry to contact you in this manner but can i borrow some of ur article/posting for this website

www.igbolandforum.com

?

Advertising?

Ok no problem.

I'll continue this thread soon.

odumchi:

There are so many things wrong with your post that I don't know where to start. But why is it that on NL everyone thinks they're an expert on Igbo affairs?

First of all Odinani does not automatically mean Igbo religion. Odinani means tradition and culture virtually like Omenali. Odinani is still practiced today.

Second of all old Igbo religions believed in Heaven and Hell. Reincarnation was not necissarily a belief. Reincarnation was just the passing down of behavior and ones spiritual attitude.
Heaven- was unification with the ancestors in ogonmuo (the spirit world).
Hell - was for those who were denied unification with the ancestors and they ended up in the evil forest.

Thirdly, Chukwu came into existence in the late 1600s after Arochukwu was founded. Chukwu was the god that resided in the oracle which was at Arochukwu. At first only the Aros and their close neighbors worshipped Chukwu, but soon the concept of Chukwu (as a great god) spread throughout all of Igboland and by 1900, Chukwu was common knowledge. However, Chukwu does not really equal the Aro god any superior god could mean Chukwu which litteraly means (the great god). It does not refer to the Aro god. Basically everyone had the concept of Chukwu but it was never the same god.

Your second paragraph is entirely wrong. Chukwu came into existence around 1690. Everyone prior to that had a deity of their own. 


Please I suggest you take a back seat and just enjoy the information given to you on this thread. This isn't a place where everyone is invited to "contribute".

First of all Mr. Odumchi, who are you to tell me to take a backseat   Are you my master I am a man who has always taken the front seat, just remember that. I have joined Nairaland to spread the truth and knowledge to all my brothers who have forgotten or were made to forget these two words. I am free to convey my message wherever i please and I shall. Im not a private hired tutor, that I have come here to teach some obscurity called ""Odumchi"". NO. you are not playing a monopoly here. I have come to convey my message to all my Igbo brothers who have an open mind and a thirst for knowledge and the truth because, they have every right to know the truth and the corruption and enslavement of their ancestors at the hands of the church. People like you are trying to divert their path with all your nonsense of their so-calle Hebrew lineage and your comparisions of the great Chukwu with a foreign element called Jesus

Now coming back to the topic.

What is the difference between Odinani and Omenala?

Omenala are customs and traditions, and Odinani is the[b] study of the sacred sciences of nature; both  inner (human nature) and outer (the world as we know it)[/b]. In essence, Omenala is what is done, and Odinani is part of the reason why its done.

How old is Odinani?

As old as humanity itself. (remember its a Pagan religion)


How many people study it?

More than you think. There are ALOT of people who study Odinani behind closed doors because of the negative stigma that is currently attached to it. But this is rapidly changing as more people are challenging the status quo.  \\



What about human sacrifice?

Human sacrifice has been practiced by many societies throughout the world, since the Pagans believe that if animals are sacrificed, then why not humans we believe in equality among all Gods children. Animal sacrifice was usually done in the form of capital punishment. Instead of executing criminals at the gallows, they were sacrificed in front of the shrine of the Gods, in order that their corrupted souls attained purification and abolution.



What is the name of God in Odinani?

The word that is used for God in Igbo is Chi. It is a reference to the individual spark of divinity that exists within everyone.  The collective spirit of everyone and everything is known as Chukwu. It is a contraction of two words: Chi (God) and Ukwu (great or large in size). Literally, Chi-Ukwu or Chukwu means the Great God or the Great Spirit. 


What are the practitioners of  Odinani known as?

Ndi Igbo (Igbo people) did NOT  refer to themselves as servants, followers, devotees or slaves of any spirit or deity. Instead, they considered themselves to be Umu (children) of the Mmuo (Spirits).  Since the Universal Spirit was known as Chukwu, the most appropriate name for practitioners of Odinani would be Umuchukwu (Children of the Great God). A singular form of this would be Nwachukwu (Child of  the Great God).


Is there a Heaven or Hell in the Igbo afterlife? What happens after one dies?

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed,  it just changes forms. Likewise, there is no such thing as an “afterlife” in Igbo cosmology, as the spirit world is seen as the unseen part of the physical world. When you “die”, you just transition the same way that liquid water  makes its transition to water vapor when its heated at a high enough temperature.  If one chooses to, you can return to the earth plane, the same way that water vapor condenses to rain. Furthermore, Heaven and Hell are seen as states of mind that are experienced while you are “alive”,  rather than after you “die”.

First of all, both believe that one is always being watched by the spirit of his ancestors. The living show appreciation to the deceased and pray to them for future well being. Before each meal, one takes a bit of his food and tosses it to the ground, calling out the names of his ancestors and every eight days (the "Fene Bene", the chief of the tribe sets out food and drink for the spirits. Every seven years a goat is sacrificed and the blood is sprinkled in front of images or clay pillars which represent the ancestors ("Nduen Fobara". One can also pray to the spirits at special shrines to ask for help in emergencies (if, for example, a loved one dies with no apparent cause or if a man has continual bad luck). It is also against tribal law to speak badly of a spirit. If a man does so and refuses to apologize, the family of the dead retaliates by speaking against the dead of the man's family. If the man does apologize, they all must perform a special ceremony of atonement.

The Ibo belive that every man has two souls -- the eternal ego (the Ijaw "Teme" or the Ibo "Maw" and the life force that dies with the body (the Ijaw "Bio-Maw" or the Ibo "Nkpuruk-Obi". Both souls leave the body on the last exhaling, but the life force can leave temporarily at times before that (in great fear of accident). If this soul does not return, however, the body perishes as well. The eternal soul leaves the body on the last breath and takes the form of a ghost, shadow, or reflection. For this reason the living consider it dangerous to step on a shadow, and they often use mirrors in religious ceremonies in order that the evil spirits will strike the mirror "image of the soul" and not the actual soul of a living man.

As in the tribes of the living, there is a hierarchy in the ghost realm, too. There is a Ghost King (the Ijaw "Nduen-Ama Yana-Gbaw" or the Ibo "Eze Ala Maw"; and a ghost messenger (the Ijaw "Ffe" or the Ibo "Onwu" who appears as a skeleton who brings death upon a person by striking him at the base of the skull with a large staff; a ferryman ("Asasaba" who brings good souls across the river of death to be reincarnated into trees, animals or other living things.

Although different ethnic groups believe in different forms of reincarnation for good and bad souls, all believe in karma (the rewards or punishments in present life for doings in a past life). For example, a good Oratta Ibo will take the shape of a cow, elephant, or leopard; a good Bakama soul will be reborn into a tree, whereas the Amuneke believe that only evil souls are doomed to become plants.

Ancestors who have done good deeds in their lifetime and died in a proper manner, were elevated to become one with the spirits and did not undergo rebirth again. They lived in the world that mirrors the living world. These ancestors are the oes that are worshipped and offered sacrifices.


you are a foolish man, Odumchi. The Igbos never believed in hell, nor was their hell an evil forest. amongst all the tribes in present-day Nigeria. The Igbo were the most forest-dwelling tribes. Apart from a few sparse settlements on the fringes, the forest was their true home. The got their food, shelter, etc from the the forest. The spirits of the forest were revered and helped them. the forest provided defence against enemy tribes. why in the name of the Gods, would they then call it as hell   Do you call your home as ""Hell"", Odumchi  

Also, how can a person be reincarnated as well as go to heaven or hell you are contradicting yourself Odumchi. how are these behaviour and traits passed down. please talk sense.

Did the Igbo people come from Israel or Egypt?

Igbos DID NOT come from Israel or Egypt. The only people that say that they come from Israel are Christians (including the Christians who masquerade as Igbo Jews). I have not met ONE practitioner of Odinani etc who ever made such a claim. In regards to the second question, Igboland has been occupied since pre-dynastic times, so NO.


Religious Practitioners: There are two different kinds of priests: the hereditary lineage priests and priests who are chosen by particular deities for their service. Diviners and priests—those empowered with ofo, the symbol of authority, truth, and justice—interpret the wishes of the spirits, who bless and favor devotees as well as punish social offenders and those who unwittingly infringe their privileges, and placate the spirits with ceremonial sacrifices.

The Igbo concept of personhood and the dialectic between individual choice/freedom and destiny or fate is embodied in the notion of chi, variously interpreted as spirit double, guardian angel, personal deity, personality soul, or divine nature. Igbo have varied accounts of myths of origin because there are many gods and goddesses. According to one Igbo worldview, Chukwu created the visible universe, uwa. The universe is divided into two levels: the natural level, uwa, or human world, and the spiritual level of spirits, which include Anyanwu, the sun; Igwe, the sky; Andala (or Ana), the earth; women's water spirits/goddesses, and forest spirits. The Igbo forge a mediatory category of relations with nature and certain animals such as pythons, crocodiles, tigers, tortoises, and fish.


Chukwu or Chinewe has been existant in Igboland since time immortal. The only reason why it was not worshipped much by other tribes is because, each tribe, inspite of generally praying to ALL deities, had a personalised family/tribal God to which they were devoted. the tribe that had Chukwu as its main deity were the Akpa people or Ibom Isi who comprised one of the three lineages of the Aro people who are an IGBO subtribe.

Arochukwu is believed to have been the homeland of the Ibibio as they arrived in 300 AD from the Benue valley and founded early states like Obong Okon Ita and Ibom. Many years passed as Igbo immigrants came along and pressed into the Ibibio occupied territory and founded several states. The first Igbo group were the Ezeagwu group led by their leader Agwu Inobia. As Aro-Ibibio wars occurred, there was a stalemate. In reaction, the Eze Agwu clan invited a priest named Nnachi from the Edda clan of northeastern Igboland and another group from the east of the Cross River through Nnachi. These people were identified as the Akpa people. Akpa forces led by Osim and Akuma Nnubi, they helped the Igbo forces capture the rest of the area. This formed the alliance of 19 new and old states in the area known as the Arochukwu kingdom around 1650-1700. The first king (or Eze Aro) of a unified Arochukwu was Akuma but after his death, Nnachi son's Oke Nnachi took over and his descendants have the throne to this day.

So therefore, Chukwu was already existant, but he was brought from North-Eastern Igboland into the the Arochukwu area as a main deity. Aro mean spear and Chukwu is the Supreme God. Thefore Arochukwu = Spear of the Supreme God. Arochukwu was named after the Aro people and their God, NOT the other way round.

The Ibini Ukpabi Shrine is were the God Chuwu was installed. Today it is one of the main Igbo Pagan shrines and oracle in all Igboland. The Oracle at Ibini Ukpabi was used to settle cases, particularly does of murder, witchcraft, poisoning and family disputes. The losing party of a case was traditionally destroyed by the oracle. The British used to call it Long Juju, inorder to make that place sound evil, but it was just like a religious court of justice.


What is a Leopard Person?

A leopard person goes by many names around the world. The term “Leopard person” is a West African coinage, derived from the Efik term “ekpe”, “leopard.” All people of mystical true ability are Leopard people. And as humankind has evolved, so have Leopard folk around the world organized. One of the real life “Leopard people” are the Ekpe society of southeastern Nigeria. This society, which was started by the Ekik people, spread through to the rest of the Ibibio, Oron, Igbo and Ekoi peoples.

Ekpe Society members during a procession in Arochukwu:




The Ekpe Society was introduced to Igboland by the people of Arochukwu. In fact, their lodge is in the village of Atani. In Igboland, the Ekpe Society usually went by the name Okonko.


Ekpe Lodge in Atani Village, Arochukwu:

[img]http://people.wku.edu/johnston.njoku/arochukwu/landmarks/05.jpg[/img]

They were the premiere secret society in Southeastern Igboland, and the highest grades held alot of the secrets of the mystical arts, including the magical Nsibidi script.

Initiation, which simply means “beginning”, plays a huge role in Igbo culture, as well as with other cultures all over Africa. Traditionally, both men and women would receive multiple initiations at different points in their life. “Imagine that you are a computer that came with programs and applications already installed. In order to use them, they have to be activated; you have to , in a sense, wake it up. That’s what initiation is.”

Young boy undergoing his dibia initiation:

[img]http://anthro.siuc.edu/mccall/ohafia/igboscans/kids/initiate.jpg[/img]



What are the Masquerades?

“Up to now you’ve known masquerades to be mere symbolic manifestations of the ancestors or spirits. Men and boys dress up in elaborate cloth and raffia costumes and dance, jeer, or joke depending on who they are manifesting. Up to now, you’ve believed masquerades to be nothing more than myth, folklore and tradition. Now that you are a Leopard person, know that your world has just become more real. Creatures are real. Ghosts, witches, demons, shape-shifters, and masquerades, all real. Masquerades are always dangerous. They can kill, steal your soul, take your mind, take your past, rewrite your future, bring the end of the world, even. As a free agent you will have nothing to do with the real thing, otherwise you face certain death. If you are smart you leave true masquerades up to those who know what to do with juju".


Masquerades in Igboland are known as mmanwu. Here are some pictures of some of them. Some of them are people in costumes, but the older pictures might be real ones:

Agbogho Mmuo (Maiden Spirits):

[img]http://odinanilawsofnature.files./2011/03/mmanwu.jpg?w=400&h=269[/img]


Masquerade at Igbo Farm Village:




Ijele Masquerade:

The Ijele masquerade originated in Anambra state is known as the “King of all masquerades.” In ancient times, it had 45 masquerades perform on top of it, which are now represented by 45 figures. It was also used to scare away some of the early missionaries in Igboland. 


Honoring Your Ancestors:

The Ndiichie (esteemed ancestor spirits) also held a high place in traditional Igbo society. Elders have always been revered in Igbo society, and even more so after they passed onto Be Mmuo (the land of the spirits). The Ndiichie would often be consulted to offer advice to their descendants and appeal to the Alusi on their behalf. Ndi Igbo have never worshiped their ancestors only venerated them, which is no different then what Catholics do to their saints or what every country does to its national heroes. Respect and honor for the Ndiichie was shown in one way by pouring of libations while chanting incantations. Ndi Igbo believed in the concept of reincarnation and felt that the Ndiichie often reincarnated back on Earth. In fact, all Mmadu (human beings) were believed to reincarnate seven or eight times, and that depending on your karma, one either ascends or descends into another spiritual plane.

Obu Figures:

[img]http://mccoy.lib.siu.edu/jmccall/jones/igbo/abiriba29.JPG[/img]

Ancestral veneration is a very ancient and common practice all over the world. The Igbo people have understood the importance of honoring the Ndichie (Venerated ancestors)  in order for the civilization to survive and progress from times immemorial. One of the reasons Igbos and Africans in general are in a state of damnation is because they have forgotten how to honor their ancestors. Yet the Igbo can learn if he wishes to seek.

Figure in an ancestral shrine:

[img]http://mccoy.lib.siu.edu/jmccall/jones/igbo/ika17.JPG[/img]

Instead of developing your own culture as a people, the Igbo see Western culture as superior to their own and trap themselves in an inferiority complex. Yes despite hardcore resistance against the Atlantic slave trade, British colonialism, and the Nigerian genocide against their people, you ended up losing. Yes the Igbo Civilizations collapsed. Yes Nigeria continues to discriminate and oppress Igbo people. You have suffered a lot and nobody shall ever down play that. However, until you remember to honor your ancestors, you will continue on the path of self destruction your enemies have planted for you.

Uxurhe Ancestral Staffs:

[img]http://mccoy.lib.siu.edu/jmccall/jones/igbo/ika18.JPG[/img]


The Igbo people are one of the most ancient groups in the world. Like most African groups and civilizations in ancient times had advanced human consciousness, culture, knowledge, creativity, leadership, philosophy, science, and etc. True civilizations respect, honor, and live in accordance to Nature. They once understood the oneness of the Source/Creator (Chineke) with Creation and thei relationship with Nature (Ani). Nowadays who cares when an Igbo man sees an injured dog on the road in a crowded market., will he stoop down to help it or will he just kick it aside because society is watching him it is up to you, to choose your path.

Ani in Mbari House:



You honored and respected Ani. That is why you had rich societies and collective democratic leadership that lived by justice, order, peace, unity, and balance. Your ancestors built many ancient civilizations such as the Ugwelle (6000 BCE), Afikpo (3000 BCE), Nsukka (3000 BCE), UmuEri/UmuNri dynasties (500 BCE), Igbo Ukwu (900 CE), and etc. You developed sophisticated architecture such as the Nsude pyramids in Agbaja, Mbari structures, and etc. Igbos developed writing scripts such as Uli, Aniocha writing systems, Nsidibi, Ikwu, and many more. The level of knowledge and scientific (especially metaphysics) discoveries and practices done by the Igbo Civilizations is most likely beyond our imagination. You have a long history of achievements. Now, you are no one. You are just an obscurity like Odumchi, taking part in petty squabbles and living your day like you hardly care for life.


Illustration of fully dressed corpse seated on stool wearing copper crown with elephant tusks on ground in Igbo-Ukwu burial chamber:



In order for the Igbo people to really rebuild and progress, you MUST honor your ancestors. You shall not live exactly how your ancestors lived but revive the institutions they built that are applicable today and improve on it. How can you know what today and tomorrow will be if you don’t know how yesterday was? How can you know who you are if you don’t know who brought you here? The ancestors brought us here and as a mixture of all of them into one, you must know who they were to know who you are. You may say you are children of the ultimate source of all creation and life (Chineke). But through who are you children of Chineke? Who did Chineke give power to bring you into this world and gave life? The answer is your ancestors. Therefore, we must honor and respect them. To honor the ancestors is to honor yourselves and the ultimate ancestor/source of us all Chineke.  Chi (God)

Learn from the past, live the present and work for the future.

The Gods Bless

[size=16pt]CHUKWU[/size]


Great Chi
Source of my Chi

Totality of mystic propulsions
Source of life propeller and other propulsions

Aka Ofu the first cause
Aka the First, origin and source of energy and light

Chukwu the Universal Spirit
Revealer of Abia - arcane and other knowledge – first to Agwu
and then to His servant Di-Abia the expert in Abia


Tide of Long-basket Abia
Source of round-basket divination Abia

Olisa the Tide of the Universe
Destroyer and Restorer. Head-water of eternal purity

The one-eyed One
but all seeing Anthill with eyes all over

Aka Ofu the ancient and the First One
Purest Blaze whose servant the blazing Sun is comparative darkness

O’sa the Wisdom and knowledge that gave round-baskets of
knowledge and wisdom to Holy Spirit Agwu and Dibia
so that they immediately follow behind Him

Husband of Komosu
Father of the Beautiful Spirit Queen, my mother Idemmili

Father of all fathers
You’re the Kindness, the Kindheart and the Merciful

Chineke - the Creator
Not to be seen in His rectangular sacred Obi house
Komosu opened slightly to see
A spark of golden fire of creation escaped and caused
the greatest tragedy

Love
You pressed the mystic brakes
Komosu‘s corpse and particles of erstwhile monolithic world
come to balance
Some have continued to go round and round

Love, Mercy and Kindness
You too back Your Wife
Wept Your Tears on Her corpse
Salty Oceans and seas that cleansed it of hatred, death
staleness and loss
It became the sacred land/earth

SPIRIT greater than all spirits
Who comes First, followed by Agwu the Holy Spirit

Revealer of all Abia
Dibia the Abia expert after his mission returns to God

Omniscience
The greatest historian eventually goes back to God

The greatest artist/technologist
Eventually goes back to God

Eternal Mystery to the world
The children of the world are striving to know how you are
They are all guessing
For one one sees God and remains alive in this planet

Completeness of potency
Whose words gave existence to innumerable beings and things
up and down the universe

King of kings who verdict is final
being the Being of the last appeal

Eternal Mystery to the world
With no beginning and no end

Defeater of all those who’ve boasted they’ll defeat me
You’ve given me the Lion’s Ikenga that never cools off

Igbulu Ukwu
Great Igbulu greater than Sacred Grove
Source of sacred altar

The Light
Father of small light the ancestor of all Iduu- Olu and Igbo

The Potency
Whose hands touched and changed sands to Gold

The greatest and all pervading
Omnipresent, omniscient and all seeing

The One Who’s wide awake even in deep slumber
The one-eyed One that sees all
The One who duplicates Himself in countless numbers

One who is not targetted to time and calendar
Save the time and calendar God has set for himself

The Creator that created Himself
The Breath that breathes Himself
The Life that lives Himself
The Potency that Potentiates Himself
The Word that speaks Himself
The Psalm that sings Himself
The Song/Dance that sings and dances Himself
The Hymn that sings Himself
The Laughter that laughs Himself
The Lamentation that mourns Himself
The Peace that pacifies Himself
The Divination that divines Himself
The Supreme Thought that thinks Himself
The Reflection that reflects Himself
The Wisdom/Knowledge that knows Himself
The Mystic propulsion that propels Himself
The Wind that blows Himself
The Fire/Energy that lit/energized and sustained Himself
The Completeness of Aura that carries Himself
The Prophecy that prophecies Himself
The Title that titles Himself
The Medicine and the Charm that medicates and charms Himself
The Light that lights Himself
The Calendar and the Time that programs Himself
The Completeness that complete Himself
The Hidden Knowledge and the Wisdom that reveals Himself

The Fire/Energy and the Light
Which the uniformed are seeking with their dim palm candle-light
thinking You’re Mkpu termite flies which can be attracted
by the show of owa dim light



From Okponku Abu , by Umeh

Yes I am sure there is truth in much you all say. The problem is you all really say nothing that makes sense in the context of completeness. I am sure your pride gets in the way of true history.
The fact that any of us from any ethnic group are still represented on this planet is a testament to how special we all are. The real question is where do we go here.
Now can one of you proud people help me out please. Who is the King of the (“Eboes”) Igbos today.

First time here so please excuse me as this message may end up on the wrong blog.

PAGAN 9JA:



First of all Mr. Odumchi, who are you to tell me to take a backseat   Are you my master I am a man who has always taken the front seat, just remember that. I have joined Nairaland to spread the truth and knowledge to all my brothers who have forgotten or were made to forget these two words. I am free to convey my message wherever i please and I shall. Im not a private hired tutor, that I have come here to teach some obscurity called ""Odumchi"". NO. you are not playing a monopoly here. I have come to convey my message to all my Igbo brothers who have an open mind and a thirst for knowledge and the truth because, they have every right to know the truth and the corruption and enslavement of their ancestors at the hands of the church. People like you are trying to divert their path with all your nonsense of their so-calle Hebrew lineage and your comparisions of the great Chukwu with a foreign element called Jesus

Now coming back to the topic.

What is the difference between Odinani and Omenala?

Omenala are customs and traditions, and Odinani is the[b] study of the sacred sciences of nature; both  inner (human nature) and outer (the world as we know it)[/b]. In essence, Omenala is what is done, and Odinani is part of the reason why its done.

How old is Odinani?

As old as humanity itself. (remember its a Pagan religion)


How many people study it?

More than you think. There are ALOT of people who study Odinani behind closed doors because of the negative stigma that is currently attached to it. But this is rapidly changing as more people are challenging the status quo.  \\



What about human sacrifice?

Human sacrifice has been practiced by many societies throughout the world, since the Pagans believe that if animals are sacrificed, then why not humans we believe in equality among all Gods children. Animal sacrifice was usually done in the form of capital punishment. Instead of executing criminals at the gallows, they were sacrificed in front of the shrine of the Gods, in order that their corrupted souls attained purification and abolution.



What is the name of God in Odinani?

The word that is used for God in Igbo is Chi. It is a reference to the individual spark of divinity that exists within everyone.  The collective spirit of everyone and everything is known as Chukwu. It is a contraction of two words: Chi (God) and Ukwu (great or large in size). Literally, Chi-Ukwu or Chukwu means the Great God or the Great Spirit. 


What are the practitioners of  Odinani known as?

Ndi Igbo (Igbo people) did NOT  refer to themselves as servants, followers, devotees or slaves of any spirit or deity. Instead, they considered themselves to be Umu (children) of the Mmuo (Spirits).  Since the Universal Spirit was known as Chukwu, the most appropriate name for practitioners of Odinani would be Umuchukwu (Children of the Great God). A singular form of this would be Nwachukwu (Child of  the Great God).


Is there a Heaven or Hell in the Igbo afterlife? What happens after one dies?

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed,  it just changes forms. Likewise, there is no such thing as an “afterlife” in Igbo cosmology, as the spirit world is seen as the unseen part of the physical world. When you “die”, you just transition the same way that liquid water  makes its transition to water vapor when its heated at a high enough temperature.  If one chooses to, you can return to the earth plane, the same way that water vapor condenses to rain. Furthermore, Heaven and Hell are seen as states of mind that are experienced while you are “alive”,  rather than after you “die”.

First of all, both believe that one is always being watched by the spirit of his ancestors. The living show appreciation to the deceased and pray to them for future well being. Before each meal, one takes a bit of his food and tosses it to the ground, calling out the names of his ancestors and every eight days (the "Fene Bene", the chief of the tribe sets out food and drink for the spirits. Every seven years a goat is sacrificed and the blood is sprinkled in front of images or clay pillars which represent the ancestors ("Nduen Fobara". One can also pray to the spirits at special shrines to ask for help in emergencies (if, for example, a loved one dies with no apparent cause or if a man has continual bad luck). It is also against tribal law to speak badly of a spirit. If a man does so and refuses to apologize, the family of the dead retaliates by speaking against the dead of the man's family. If the man does apologize, they all must perform a special ceremony of atonement.

The Ibo belive that every man has two souls -- the eternal ego (the Ijaw "Teme" or the Ibo "Maw" and the life force that dies with the body (the Ijaw "Bio-Maw" or the Ibo "Nkpuruk-Obi". Both souls leave the body on the last exhaling, but the life force can leave temporarily at times before that (in great fear of accident). If this soul does not return, however, the body perishes as well. The eternal soul leaves the body on the last breath and takes the form of a ghost, shadow, or reflection. For this reason the living consider it dangerous to step on a shadow, and they often use mirrors in religious ceremonies in order that the evil spirits will strike the mirror "image of the soul" and not the actual soul of a living man.

As in the tribes of the living, there is a hierarchy in the ghost realm, too. There is a Ghost King (the Ijaw "Nduen-Ama Yana-Gbaw" or the Ibo "Eze Ala Maw"; and a ghost messenger (the Ijaw "Ffe" or the Ibo "Onwu" who appears as a skeleton who brings death upon a person by striking him at the base of the skull with a large staff; a ferryman ("Asasaba" who brings good souls across the river of death to be reincarnated into trees, animals or other living things.

Although different ethnic groups believe in different forms of reincarnation for good and bad souls, all believe in karma (the rewards or punishments in present life for doings in a past life). For example, a good Oratta Ibo will take the shape of a cow, elephant, or leopard; a good Bakama soul will be reborn into a tree, whereas the Amuneke believe that only evil souls are doomed to become plants.

Ancestors who have done good deeds in their lifetime and died in a proper manner, were elevated to become one with the spirits and did not undergo rebirth again. They lived in the world that mirrors the living world. These ancestors are the oes that are worshipped and offered sacrifices.


you are a foolish man, Odumchi. The Igbos never believed in hell, nor was their hell an evil forest. amongst all the tribes in present-day Nigeria. The Igbo were the most forest-dwelling tribes. Apart from a few sparse settlements on the fringes, the forest was their true home. The got their food, shelter, etc from the the forest. The spirits of the forest were revered and helped them. the forest provided defence against enemy tribes. why in the name of the Gods, would they then call it as hell   Do you call your home as ""Hell"", Odumchi  

Also, how can a person be reincarnated as well as go to heaven or hell you are contradicting yourself Odumchi. how are these behaviour and traits passed down. please talk sense.

Did the Igbo people come from Israel or Egypt?

Igbos DID NOT come from Israel or Egypt. The only people that say that they come from Israel are Christians (including the Christians who masquerade as Igbo Jews). I have not met ONE practitioner of Odinani etc who ever made such a claim. In regards to the second question, Igboland has been occupied since pre-dynastic times, so NO.


Religious Practitioners: There are two different kinds of priests: the hereditary lineage priests and priests who are chosen by particular deities for their service. Diviners and priests—those empowered with ofo, the symbol of authority, truth, and justice—interpret the wishes of the spirits, who bless and favor devotees as well as punish social offenders and those who unwittingly infringe their privileges, and placate the spirits with ceremonial sacrifices.

The Igbo concept of personhood and the dialectic between individual choice/freedom and destiny or fate is embodied in the notion of chi, variously interpreted as spirit double, guardian angel, personal deity, personality soul, or divine nature. Igbo have varied accounts of myths of origin because there are many gods and goddesses. According to one Igbo worldview, Chukwu created the visible universe, uwa. The universe is divided into two levels: the natural level, uwa, or human world, and the spiritual level of spirits, which include Anyanwu, the sun; Igwe, the sky; Andala (or Ana), the earth; women's water spirits/goddesses, and forest spirits. The Igbo forge a mediatory category of relations with nature and certain animals such as pythons, crocodiles, tigers, tortoises, and fish.


Chukwu or Chinewe has been existant in Igboland since time immortal. The only reason why it was not worshipped much by other tribes is because, each tribe, inspite of generally praying to ALL deities, had a personalised family/tribal God to which they were devoted. the tribe that had Chukwu as its main deity were the Akpa people or Ibom Isi who comprised one of the three lineages of the Aro people who are an IGBO subtribe.

Arochukwu is believed to have been the homeland of the Ibibio as they arrived in 300 AD from the Benue valley and founded early states like Obong Okon Ita and Ibom. Many years passed as Igbo immigrants came along and pressed into the Ibibio occupied territory and founded several states. The first Igbo group were the Ezeagwu group led by their leader Agwu Inobia. As Aro-Ibibio wars occurred, there was a stalemate. In reaction, the Eze Agwu clan invited a priest named Nnachi from the Edda clan of northeastern Igboland and another group from the east of the Cross River through Nnachi. These people were identified as the Akpa people. Akpa forces led by Osim and Akuma Nnubi, they helped the Igbo forces capture the rest of the area. This formed the alliance of 19 new and old states in the area known as the Arochukwu kingdom around 1650-1700. The first king (or Eze Aro) of a unified Arochukwu was Akuma but after his death, Nnachi son's Oke Nnachi took over and his descendants have the throne to this day.

So therefore, Chukwu was already existant, but he was brought from North-Eastern Igboland into the the Arochukwu area as a main deity. Aro mean spear and Chukwu is the Supreme God. Thefore Arochukwu = Spear of the Supreme God. Arochukwu was named after the Aro people and their God, NOT the other way round.

The Ibini Ukpabi Shrine is were the God Chuwu was installed. Today it is one of the main Igbo Pagan shrines and oracle in all Igboland. The Oracle at Ibini Ukpabi was used to settle cases, particularly does of murder, witchcraft, poisoning and family disputes. The losing party of a case was traditionally destroyed by the oracle. The British used to call it Long Juju, inorder to make that place sound evil, but it was just like a religious court of justice.


What is a Leopard Person?

A leopard person goes by many names around the world. The term “Leopard person” is a West African coinage, derived from the Efik term “ekpe”, “leopard.” All people of mystical true ability are Leopard people. And as humankind has evolved, so have Leopard folk around the world organized. One of the real life “Leopard people” are the Ekpe society of southeastern Nigeria. This society, which was started by the Ekik people, spread through to the rest of the Ibibio, Oron, Igbo and Ekoi peoples.

Ekpe Society members during a procession in Arochukwu:




The Ekpe Society was introduced to Igboland by the people of Arochukwu. In fact, their lodge is in the village of Atani. In Igboland, the Ekpe Society usually went by the name Okonko.


Ekpe Lodge in Atani Village, Arochukwu:

[img]http://people.wku.edu/johnston.njoku/arochukwu/landmarks/05.jpg[/img]

They were the premiere secret society in Southeastern Igboland, and the highest grades held alot of the secrets of the mystical arts, including the magical Nsibidi script.

Initiation, which simply means “beginning”, plays a huge role in Igbo culture, as well as with other cultures all over Africa. Traditionally, both men and women would receive multiple initiations at different points in their life. “Imagine that you are a computer that came with programs and applications already installed. In order to use them, they have to be activated; you have to , in a sense, wake it up. That’s what initiation is.”

Young boy undergoing his dibia initiation:

[img]http://anthro.siuc.edu/mccall/ohafia/igboscans/kids/initiate.jpg[/img]



What are the Masquerades?

“Up to now you’ve known masquerades to be mere symbolic manifestations of the ancestors or spirits. Men and boys dress up in elaborate cloth and raffia costumes and dance, jeer, or joke depending on who they are manifesting. Up to now, you’ve believed masquerades to be nothing more than myth, folklore and tradition. Now that you are a Leopard person, know that your world has just become more real. Creatures are real. Ghosts, witches, demons, shape-shifters, and masquerades, all real. Masquerades are always dangerous. They can kill, steal your soul, take your mind, take your past, rewrite your future, bring the end of the world, even. As a free agent you will have nothing to do with the real thing, otherwise you face certain death. If you are smart you leave true masquerades up to those who know what to do with juju".


Masquerades in Igboland are known as mmanwu. Here are some pictures of some of them. Some of them are people in costumes, but the older pictures might be real ones:

Agbogho Mmuo (Maiden Spirits):

[img]http://odinanilawsofnature.files./2011/03/mmanwu.jpg?w=400&h=269[/img]


Masquerade at Igbo Farm Village:




Ijele Masquerade:

The Ijele masquerade originated in Anambra state is known as the “King of all masquerades.” In ancient times, it had 45 masquerades perform on top of it, which are now represented by 45 figures. It was also used to scare away some of the early missionaries in Igboland. 


Honoring Your Ancestors:

The Ndiichie (esteemed ancestor spirits) also held a high place in traditional Igbo society. Elders have always been revered in Igbo society, and even more so after they passed onto Be Mmuo (the land of the spirits). The Ndiichie would often be consulted to offer advice to their descendants and appeal to the Alusi on their behalf. Ndi Igbo have never worshiped their ancestors only venerated them, which is no different then what Catholics do to their saints or what every country does to its national heroes. Respect and honor for the Ndiichie was shown in one way by pouring of libations while chanting incantations. Ndi Igbo believed in the concept of reincarnation and felt that the Ndiichie often reincarnated back on Earth. In fact, all Mmadu (human beings) were believed to reincarnate seven or eight times, and that depending on your karma, one either ascends or descends into another spiritual plane.

Obu Figures:

[img]http://mccoy.lib.siu.edu/jmccall/jones/igbo/abiriba29.JPG[/img]

Ancestral veneration is a very ancient and common practice all over the world. The Igbo people have understood the importance of honoring the Ndichie (Venerated ancestors)  in order for the civilization to survive and progress from times immemorial. One of the reasons Igbos and Africans in general are in a state of damnation is because they have forgotten how to honor their ancestors. Yet the Igbo can learn if he wishes to seek.

Figure in an ancestral shrine:

[img]http://mccoy.lib.siu.edu/jmccall/jones/igbo/ika17.JPG[/img]

Instead of developing your own culture as a people, the Igbo see Western culture as superior to their own and trap themselves in an inferiority complex. Yes despite hardcore resistance against the Atlantic slave trade, British colonialism, and the Nigerian genocide against their people, you ended up losing. Yes the Igbo Civilizations collapsed. Yes Nigeria continues to discriminate and oppress Igbo people. You have suffered a lot and nobody shall ever down play that. However, until you remember to honor your ancestors, you will continue on the path of self destruction your enemies have planted for you.

Uxurhe Ancestral Staffs:

[img]http://mccoy.lib.siu.edu/jmccall/jones/igbo/ika18.JPG[/img]


The Igbo people are one of the most ancient groups in the world. Like most African groups and civilizations in ancient times had advanced human consciousness, culture, knowledge, creativity, leadership, philosophy, science, and etc. True civilizations respect, honor, and live in accordance to Nature. They once understood the oneness of the Source/Creator (Chineke) with Creation and thei relationship with Nature (Ani). Nowadays who cares when an Igbo man sees an injured dog on the road in a crowded market., will he stoop down to help it or will he just kick it aside because society is watching him it is up to you, to choose your path.

Ani in Mbari House:



You honored and respected Ani. That is why you had rich societies and collective democratic leadership that lived by justice, order, peace, unity, and balance. Your ancestors built many ancient civilizations such as the Ugwelle (6000 BCE), Afikpo (3000 BCE), Nsukka (3000 BCE), UmuEri/UmuNri dynasties (500 BCE), Igbo Ukwu (900 CE), and etc. You developed sophisticated architecture such as the Nsude pyramids in Agbaja, Mbari structures, and etc. Igbos developed writing scripts such as Uli, Aniocha writing systems, Nsidibi, Ikwu, and many more. The level of knowledge and scientific (especially metaphysics) discoveries and practices done by the Igbo Civilizations is most likely beyond our imagination. You have a long history of achievements. Now, you are no one. You are just an obscurity like Odumchi, taking part in petty squabbles and living your day like you hardly care for life.


Illustration of fully dressed corpse seated on stool wearing copper crown with elephant tusks on ground in Igbo-Ukwu burial chamber:



In order for the Igbo people to really rebuild and progress, you MUST honor your ancestors. You shall not live exactly how your ancestors lived but revive the institutions they built that are applicable today and improve on it. How can you know what today and tomorrow will be if you don’t know how yesterday was? How can you know who you are if you don’t know who brought you here? The ancestors brought us here and as a mixture of all of them into one, you must know who they were to know who you are. You may say you are children of the ultimate source of all creation and life (Chineke). But through who are you children of Chineke? Who did Chineke give power to bring you into this world and gave life? The answer is your ancestors. Therefore, we must honor and respect them. To honor the ancestors is to honor yourselves and the ultimate ancestor/source of us all Chineke.  Chi (God)

Learn from the past, live the present and work for the future.

The Gods Bless

pegan is like you know some of histories of igbo people but i'm intrested in the writing system .e.g. uli and ikwu that of nsibidi i know about it can write more on those two.

what exactly does nsibidi look like?

[img]http://1.bp..com/-UxYJbfa6MLs/TXq0bOH4toI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/Zsi7dtX6Cxw/s400/Nsibidi%2BSheet%2B1.png[/img]

ekoair: what exactly does nsibidi look like?

Crayola's image is very good. You can also see Nsibidi ideograms on the wrapper of this Ekpe member.

OGAM STONE INSCRIPTIONS AND IGBO COLUMN-WRITING: A COMPARISON (Catherine Obianuju Acholonu)

Please,let ignore people with comments like negga nuts! He is very insecure and weak !!

PAGAN 9JA:

What is the difference between Odinani and Omenala?

Omenala are customs and traditions, and Odinani is the[b] study of the sacred sciences of nature; both  inner (human nature) and outer (the world as we know it)[/b]. In essence, Omenala is what is done, and Odinani is part of the reason why its done.

How old is Odinani?

As old as humanity itself. (remember its a Pagan religion)


How many people study it?

More than you think. There are ALOT of people who study Odinani behind closed doors because of the negative stigma that is currently attached to it. But this is rapidly changing as more people are challenging the status quo.  \\



What about human sacrifice?

Human sacrifice has been practiced by many societies throughout the world, since the Pagans believe that if animals are sacrificed, then why not humans we believe in equality among all Gods children. Animal sacrifice was usually done in the form of capital punishment. Instead of executing criminals at the gallows, they were sacrificed in front of the shrine of the Gods, in order that their corrupted souls attained purification and abolution.



What is the name of God in Odinani?

The word that is used for God in Igbo is Chi. It is a reference to the individual spark of divinity that exists within everyone.  The collective spirit of everyone and everything is known as Chukwu. It is a contraction of two words: Chi (God) and Ukwu (great or large in size). Literally, Chi-Ukwu or Chukwu means the Great God or the Great Spirit. 


What are the practitioners of  Odinani known as?

Ndi Igbo (Igbo people) did NOT  refer to themselves as servants, followers, devotees or slaves of any spirit or deity. Instead, they considered themselves to be Umu (children) of the Mmuo (Spirits).  Since the Universal Spirit was known as Chukwu, the most appropriate name for practitioners of Odinani would be Umuchukwu (Children of the Great God). A singular form of this would be Nwachukwu (Child of  the Great God).


Is there a Heaven or Hell in the Igbo afterlife? What happens after one dies?

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed,  it just changes forms. Likewise, there is no such thing as an “afterlife” in Igbo cosmology, as the spirit world is seen as the unseen part of the physical world. When you “die”, you just transition the same way that liquid water  makes its transition to water vapor when its heated at a high enough temperature.  If one chooses to, you can return to the earth plane, the same way that water vapor condenses to rain. Furthermore, Heaven and Hell are seen as states of mind that are experienced while you are “alive”,  rather than after you “die”.

First of all, both believe that one is always being watched by the spirit of his ancestors. The living show appreciation to the deceased and pray to them for future well being. Before each meal, one takes a bit of his food and tosses it to the ground, calling out the names of his ancestors and every eight days (the "Fene Bene", the chief of the tribe sets out food and drink for the spirits. Every seven years a goat is sacrificed and the blood is sprinkled in front of images or clay pillars which represent the ancestors ("Nduen Fobara". One can also pray to the spirits at special shrines to ask for help in emergencies (if, for example, a loved one dies with no apparent cause or if a man has continual bad luck). It is also against tribal law to speak badly of a spirit. If a man does so and refuses to apologize, the family of the dead retaliates by speaking against the dead of the man's family. If the man does apologize, they all must perform a special ceremony of atonement.

The Ibo belive that every man has two souls -- the eternal ego (the Ijaw "Teme" or the Ibo "Maw" and the life force that dies with the body (the Ijaw "Bio-Maw" or the Ibo "Nkpuruk-Obi". Both souls leave the body on the last exhaling, but the life force can leave temporarily at times before that (in great fear of accident). If this soul does not return, however, the body perishes as well. The eternal soul leaves the body on the last breath and takes the form of a ghost, shadow, or reflection. For this reason the living consider it dangerous to step on a shadow, and they often use mirrors in religious ceremonies in order that the evil spirits will strike the mirror "image of the soul" and not the actual soul of a living man.

As in the tribes of the living, there is a hierarchy in the ghost realm, too. There is a Ghost King (the Ijaw "Nduen-Ama Yana-Gbaw" or the Ibo "Eze Ala Maw"; and a ghost messenger (the Ijaw "Ffe" or the Ibo "Onwu" who appears as a skeleton who brings death upon a person by striking him at the base of the skull with a large staff; a ferryman ("Asasaba" who brings good souls across the river of death to be reincarnated into trees, animals or other living things.

Although different ethnic groups believe in different forms of reincarnation for good and bad souls, all believe in karma (the rewards or punishments in present life for doings in a past life). For example, a good Oratta Ibo will take the shape of a cow, elephant, or leopard; a good Bakama soul will be reborn into a tree, whereas the Amuneke believe that only evil souls are doomed to become plants.

Ancestors who have done good deeds in their lifetime and died in a proper manner, were elevated to become one with the spirits and did not undergo rebirth again. They lived in the world that mirrors the living world. These ancestors are the oes that are worshipped and offered sacrifices.


you are a foolish man, Odumchi. The Igbos never believed in hell, nor was their hell an evil forest. amongst all the tribes in present-day Nigeria. The Igbo were the most forest-dwelling tribes. Apart from a few sparse settlements on the fringes, the forest was their true home. The got their food, shelter, etc from the the forest. The spirits of the forest were revered and helped them. the forest provided defence against enemy tribes. why in the name of the Gods, would they then call it as hell   Do you call your home as ""Hell"", Odumchi  

Also, how can a person be reincarnated as well as go to heaven or hell you are contradicting yourself Odumchi. how are these behaviour and traits passed down. please talk sense.

Did the Igbo people come from Israel or Egypt?

Igbos DID NOT come from Israel or Egypt. The only people that say that they come from Israel are Christians (including the Christians who masquerade as Igbo Jews). I have not met ONE practitioner of Odinani etc who ever made such a claim. In regards to the second question, Igboland has been occupied since pre-dynastic times, so NO.


Religious Practitioners: There are two different kinds of priests: the hereditary lineage priests and priests who are chosen by particular deities for their service. Diviners and priests—those empowered with ofo, the symbol of authority, truth, and justice—interpret the wishes of the spirits, who bless and favor devotees as well as punish social offenders and those who unwittingly infringe their privileges, and placate the spirits with ceremonial sacrifices.

The Igbo concept of personhood and the dialectic between individual choice/freedom and destiny or fate is embodied in the notion of chi, variously interpreted as spirit double, guardian angel, personal deity, personality soul, or divine nature. Igbo have varied accounts of myths of origin because there are many gods and goddesses. According to one Igbo worldview, Chukwu created the visible universe, uwa. The universe is divided into two levels: the natural level, uwa, or human world, and the spiritual level of spirits, which include Anyanwu, the sun; Igwe, the sky; Andala (or Ana), the earth; women's water spirits/goddesses, and forest spirits. The Igbo forge a mediatory category of relations with nature and certain animals such as pythons, crocodiles, tigers, tortoises, and fish.


Chukwu or Chinewe has been existant in Igboland since time immortal. The only reason why it was not worshipped much by other tribes is because, each tribe, inspite of generally praying to ALL deities, had a personalised family/tribal God to which they were devoted. the tribe that had Chukwu as its main deity were the Akpa people or Ibom Isi who comprised one of the three lineages of the Aro people who are an IGBO subtribe.

Arochukwu is believed to have been the homeland of the Ibibio as they arrived in 300 AD from the Benue valley and founded early states like Obong Okon Ita and Ibom. Many years passed as Igbo immigrants came along and pressed into the Ibibio occupied territory and founded several states. The first Igbo group were the Ezeagwu group led by their leader Agwu Inobia. As Aro-Ibibio wars occurred, there was a stalemate. In reaction, the Eze Agwu clan invited a priest named Nnachi from the Edda clan of northeastern Igboland and another group from the east of the Cross River through Nnachi. These people were identified as the Akpa people. Akpa forces led by Osim and Akuma Nnubi, they helped the Igbo forces capture the rest of the area. This formed the alliance of 19 new and old states in the area known as the Arochukwu kingdom around 1650-1700. The first king (or Eze Aro) of a unified Arochukwu was Akuma but after his death, Nnachi son's Oke Nnachi took over and his descendants have the throne to this day.

So therefore, Chukwu was already existant, but he was brought from North-Eastern Igboland into the the Arochukwu area as a main deity. Aro mean spear and Chukwu is the Supreme God. Thefore Arochukwu = Spear of the Supreme God. Arochukwu was named after the Aro people and their God, NOT the other way round.

The Ibini Ukpabi Shrine is were the God Chuwu was installed. Today it is one of the main Igbo Pagan shrines and oracle in all Igboland. The Oracle at Ibini Ukpabi was used to settle cases, particularly does of murder, witchcraft, poisoning and family disputes. The losing party of a case was traditionally destroyed by the oracle. The British used to call it Long Juju, inorder to make that place sound evil, but it was just like a religious court of justice.


What is a Leopard Person?

A leopard person goes by many names around the world. The term “Leopard person” is a West African coinage, derived from the Efik term “ekpe”, “leopard.” All people of mystical true ability are Leopard people. And as humankind has evolved, so have Leopard folk around the world organized. One of the real life “Leopard people” are the Ekpe society of southeastern Nigeria. This society, which was started by the Ekik people, spread through to the rest of the Ibibio, Oron, Igbo and Ekoi peoples.

Ekpe Society members during a procession in Arochukwu:




The Ekpe Society was introduced to Igboland by the people of Arochukwu. In fact, their lodge is in the village of Atani. In Igboland, the Ekpe Society usually went by the name Okonko.


Ekpe Lodge in Atani Village, Arochukwu:

[img]http://people.wku.edu/johnston.njoku/arochukwu/landmarks/05.jpg[/img]

They were the premiere secret society in Southeastern Igboland, and the highest grades held alot of the secrets of the mystical arts, including the magical Nsibidi script.

Initiation, which simply means “beginning”, plays a huge role in Igbo culture, as well as with other cultures all over Africa. Traditionally, both men and women would receive multiple initiations at different points in their life. “Imagine that you are a computer that came with programs and applications already installed. In order to use them, they have to be activated; you have to , in a sense, wake it up. That’s what initiation is.”

Young boy undergoing his dibia initiation:

[img]http://anthro.siuc.edu/mccall/ohafia/igboscans/kids/initiate.jpg[/img]



What are the Masquerades?

“Up to now you’ve known masquerades to be mere symbolic manifestations of the ancestors or spirits. Men and boys dress up in elaborate cloth and raffia costumes and dance, jeer, or joke depending on who they are manifesting. Up to now, you’ve believed masquerades to be nothing more than myth, folklore and tradition. Now that you are a Leopard person, know that your world has just become more real. Creatures are real. Ghosts, witches, demons, shape-shifters, and masquerades, all real. Masquerades are always dangerous. They can kill, steal your soul, take your mind, take your past, rewrite your future, bring the end of the world, even. As a free agent you will have nothing to do with the real thing, otherwise you face certain death. If you are smart you leave true masquerades up to those who know what to do with juju".


Masquerades in Igboland are known as mmanwu. Here are some pictures of some of them. Some of them are people in costumes, but the older pictures might be real ones:

Agbogho Mmuo (Maiden Spirits):

[img]http://odinanilawsofnature.files./2011/03/mmanwu.jpg?w=400&h=269[/img]


Masquerade at Igbo Farm Village:




Ijele Masquerade:

The Ijele masquerade originated in Anambra state is known as the “King of all masquerades.” In ancient times, it had 45 masquerades perform on top of it, which are now represented by 45 figures. It was also used to scare away some of the early missionaries in Igboland. 


Honoring Your Ancestors:

The Ndiichie (esteemed ancestor spirits) also held a high place in traditional Igbo society. Elders have always been revered in Igbo society, and even more so after they passed onto Be Mmuo (the land of the spirits). The Ndiichie would often be consulted to offer advice to their descendants and appeal to the Alusi on their behalf. Ndi Igbo have never worshiped their ancestors only venerated them, which is no different then what Catholics do to their saints or what every country does to its national heroes. Respect and honor for the Ndiichie was shown in one way by pouring of libations while chanting incantations. Ndi Igbo believed in the concept of reincarnation and felt that the Ndiichie often reincarnated back on Earth. In fact, all Mmadu (human beings) were believed to reincarnate seven or eight times, and that depending on your karma, one either ascends or descends into another spiritual plane.

Obu Figures:

[img]http://mccoy.lib.siu.edu/jmccall/jones/igbo/abiriba29.JPG[/img]

Ancestral veneration is a very ancient and common practice all over the world. The Igbo people have understood the importance of honoring the Ndichie (Venerated ancestors)  in order for the civilization to survive and progress from times immemorial. One of the reasons Igbos and Africans in general are in a state of damnation is because they have forgotten how to honor their ancestors. Yet the Igbo can learn if he wishes to seek.

Figure in an ancestral shrine:

[img]http://mccoy.lib.siu.edu/jmccall/jones/igbo/ika17.JPG[/img]

Instead of developing your own culture as a people, the Igbo see Western culture as superior to their own and trap themselves in an inferiority complex. Yes despite hardcore resistance against the Atlantic slave trade, British colonialism, and the Nigerian genocide against their people, you ended up losing. Yes the Igbo Civilizations collapsed. Yes Nigeria continues to discriminate and oppress Igbo people. You have suffered a lot and nobody shall ever down play that. However, until you remember to honor your ancestors, you will continue on the path of self destruction your enemies have planted for you.

Uxurhe Ancestral Staffs:

[img]http://mccoy.lib.siu.edu/jmccall/jones/igbo/ika18.JPG[/img]


The Igbo people are one of the most ancient groups in the world. Like most African groups and civilizations in ancient times had advanced human consciousness, culture, knowledge, creativity, leadership, philosophy, science, and etc. True civilizations respect, honor, and live in accordance to Nature. They once understood the oneness of the Source/Creator (Chineke) with Creation and thei relationship with Nature (Ani). Nowadays who cares when an Igbo man sees an injured dog on the road in a crowded market., will he stoop down to help it or will he just kick it aside because society is watching him it is up to you, to choose your path.

Ani in Mbari House:



You honored and respected Ani. That is why you had rich societies and collective democratic leadership that lived by justice, order, peace, unity, and balance. Your ancestors built many ancient civilizations such as the Ugwelle (6000 BCE), Afikpo (3000 BCE), Nsukka (3000 BCE), UmuEri/UmuNri dynasties (500 BCE), Igbo Ukwu (900 CE), and etc. You developed sophisticated architecture such as the Nsude pyramids in Agbaja, Mbari structures, and etc. Igbos developed writing scripts such as Uli, Aniocha writing systems, Nsidibi, Ikwu, and many more. The level of knowledge and scientific (especially metaphysics) discoveries and practices done by the Igbo Civilizations is most likely beyond our imagination. You have a long history of achievements. Now, you are no one. You are just an obscurity like Odumchi, taking part in petty squabbles and living your day like you hardly care for life.


Illustration of fully dressed corpse seated on stool wearing copper crown with elephant tusks on ground in Igbo-Ukwu burial chamber:



In order for the Igbo people to really rebuild and progress, you MUST honor your ancestors. You shall not live exactly how your ancestors lived but revive the institutions they built that are applicable today and improve on it. How can you know what today and tomorrow will be if you don’t know how yesterday was? How can you know who you are if you don’t know who brought you here? The ancestors brought us here and as a mixture of all of them into one, you must know who they were to know who you are. You may say you are children of the ultimate source of all creation and life (Chineke). But through who are you children of Chineke? Who did Chineke give power to bring you into this world and gave life? The answer is your ancestors. Therefore, we must honor and respect them. To honor the ancestors is to honor yourselves and the ultimate ancestor/source of us all Chineke.  Chi (God)

Learn from the past, live the present and work for the future.

The Gods Bless

Thanks for the post. Very interesting. While African religions are not "conversion religions", African ancestral religions should be taught in every African schools as academic knowledge (then people do what they want with the information). Shrines should also be built in Nigeria and all over Africa to honor and communicate with our ancestors like the Shinto shrines in Japan. All ancestral religions in the world have a lot of similarities, which imo only reinforce their validity.

Personally, I believe, if any, every people in the world should follow the religion of their ancestors. A reminder of where we're from, where we're at and where we are going (spiritual development).

Don't wanna ridicule your thread but you will do well if you title it "Culture of the Aro-Igbo". This isn't Nri culture even though you tried to subtly add a bit of it to make it look like what its not. Dude,change the danm title because Aro isn't PURE Igbo!

Nwonyeke m, m vuru na I nawa ejega acho ihe I ma-ekwu. Biko, gaa noro ebe olu.

Why do people always claim that Arochukwu founded Chukwu?really its getting annoying,its just like an Idemili man waking up one day to claim his progenitor Invented The Igbo word for Water
Udo

NRI PRIEST: Don't wanna ridicule your thread but you will do well if you title it "Culture of the Aro-Igbo". This isn't Nri culture even though you tried to subtly add a bit of it to make it look like what its not. Dude,change the danm title because Aro isn't PURE Igbo!

nwanne m,stop making everything Nri Vs Aro
i dont see any reason whatsoever why he should change the 'Damn' title of this thread
Arochukwu Is Igbo
Igbo bu Igbo

Looking back at my work from nearly two years ago, I see a tremendous growth in thought and understanding from where I was then to what I am now. Many of the things that I said back then were inaccurate and I've come to recognize that as the byproduct of growth and progress. I must say that as I continue to grow, my perception of certain things will definitely change. What I believe today may not be what I believe five or ten years from now, and that's completely natural. When I see this thread, what I see is a younger version of me trying very hard to promote something he loves, and I hope that's what you all see too (whether Aro or not).

Here I come; I'm very pleased to know that you have realized that Aro culture doesn't represent the greater Igbo culture. We all agree that Aro culture was relativelly new because they migrated from northern Imo and are settlers to where they presently occupy now,so,when you wanna discuss Igbo culture I suggest you start with the most authentic Igbo culture(Nri) to avoid backlash. It is both mischievous and misleading to discuss Igbo culture and start with Aro of 18century. The culture of the Igbo doesn't start with Aro Okigbo. There was Eri/Nri,Isu and others that predates Aro. Its ok to be proud,promote and glorify your culture but you mustn't neglet the culture with which Igbo people drew their identity from. Hey,I love the Aro regallia but the record must be set straight. An Igbo proverb says "ahaba oke ebido na isi..meaning; The eldest pick firstly,when the father's properties are divided. Nri bu isi Igbo! And this must be respected!

o'boy:
nwanne m,stop making everything Nri Vs Aro
i dont see any reason whatsoever why he should change the 'Damn' title of this thread
Arochukwu Is Igbo
Igbo bu Igbo

Nwanne,na ezi okwu Igbo bu Igbo but the young man has disrespected the most sacred Nri kingdom when he started his work with Aro history and culture. More like writing about Yoruba culture and begins with Ondo,not Ife kingdom. Onye ana ekili ekili adiro mma ikpo ntu!

LOL.

Its so hard not to laugh. O di nma.

Sigh, Eze Nri, you're clearly not on the same page as Odumchi.

Anyway, Odumchi, mind expanding on what you believe these inaccuracies are?

NRI PRIEST: Here I come; I'm very pleased to know that you have realized that Aro culture doesn't represent the greater Igbo culture. We all agree that Aro culture was relativelly new because they migrated from northern Imo and are settlers to where they presently occupy now,so,when you wanna discuss Igbo culture I suggest you start with the most authentic Igbo culture(Nri) to avoid backlash. It is both mischievous and misleading to discuss Igbo culture and start with Aro of 18century. The culture of the Igbo doesn't start with Aro Okigbo. There was Eri/Nri,Isu and others that predates Aro. Its ok to be proud,promote and glorify your culture but you mustn't neglet the culture with which Igbo people drew their identity from. Hey,I love the Aro regallia but the record must be set straight. An Igbo proverb says "ahaba oke ebido na isi..meaning; The eldest pick firstly,when the father's properties are divided. Nri bu isi Igbo! And this must be respected!

And it is this your Nri bullcrap that remains the bane of Igbo unity. Why can't you recognize the fact that Nri are migrants from Igala who were haboured by already existing people.

Abagworo:

And it is this your Nri bullcrap that remains the bane of Igbo unity. Why can't you recognize the fact that Nri are migrants from Igala who were haboured by already existing people.

I have always known you to be hateful and jealous of anything that has root in Anambra,so,I am not surprised. Hell,you even claimed that Onicha was of Isu. And how is Nri the "bane" of Igbo unity? You are an ignorant f.ool to say that Nri migrated from Igala. I wonder where you get that crap from. I dont care who Namoke and Ifikuanim met on arrival but its very obvious that Nri culture was superior. You can spew all the hate and vile that you want but truth is that without Nri the Igbo will be just like the Isu without a tangible and an understandable traditions. We must learn to respect the culture that has given us so much pride instead of trying to pull it down.

Nairaland,Nna mehn,laugh wan kills muah here,i tells you
first it was Umunze Migrated from Aro
then Onicha migrated from Isu
ika migrated from Owerri
the other it was Isuama that taught Nri the Igbo language,now Nri is Igala,like seriously?
what next,Abagworo?
Maybe then It would be Idemili Migrated from Awo-idemili in Orlu

Odenigbo Aroli:

I have always known you to be hateful and jealous of anything that has root in Anambra,so,I am not surprised. Hell,you even claimed that Onicha was of Isu. And how is Nri the "bane" of Igbo unity? You are an ignorant f.ool to say that Nri migrated from Igala. I wonder where you get that crap from. I dont care who Namoke and Ifikuanim met on arrival but its very obvious that Nri culture was superior. You can spew all the hate and vile that you want but truth is that without Nri the Igbo will be just like the Isu without a tangible and an understandable traditions. We must learn to respect the culture that has given us so much pride instead of trying to pull it down.

That is the kind of ignorance and self-appointed, self-entitled nature of some of you people that other culture zones find as a turn off. "Nri culture was superior", yet over half of the Igbo cultural area does not share Nri traditions. So just shut up for your own sake and the sake of whatever remaining self-entitled dignity you people still manage to hold on to in this day and age.

Odenigbo Aroli:

I have always known you to be hateful and jealous of anything that has root in Anambra,so,I am not surprised. Hell,you even claimed that Onicha was of Isu. And how is Nri the "bane" of Igbo unity? You are an ignorant f.ool to say that Nri migrated from Igala. I wonder where you get that crap from. I dont care who Namoke and Ifikuanim met on arrival but its very obvious that Nri culture was superior. You can spew all the hate and vile that you want but truth is that without Nri the Igbo will be just like the Isu without a tangible and an understandable traditions. We must learn to respect the culture that has given us so much pride instead of trying to pull it down.

My friend Onitsha migrated from Benin and not Isu. Isu is older than Onitsha and Nri. Infact all the stretches from Orlu to Awka to Okigwe are older than Nri. So spare us all these your useless crap. Nri remains a tiny village in Anambra that contributed their quota like everyone else to the formation of Igbo ethnic group about 80 years ago.

Although pointing out that the issue of Aro origin was not a settled matter, He said the Igbos looked up to Nri as their ancestral home.


But over three decades later, after an intensive study of the history of the Aro, with Professor Felicia Ekejiuba, published in the book, The Aro of South-eastern Nigeria, 1650-1980: A Study of Socio-Economic Formation and Transformation in Nigeria, Dike went beyond "the mingling of peoples," to assert that there was nothing like an autochthonous pre-colonial, Igbo nation, race or tribe, and that Igbo is a nationality formed in the twentieth century.

Dike and Ekejiuba said:
 

.... it is often forgotten, or merely mentioned in the .footnote, that Igbo is a modern ethnic category which many of the constituent groups have only recently and often reluctantly accepted as their ethnic identity, often on political and administrative grounds. During the period covered by our study, the now twelve million or more 'Igbo' distributed over 30,000.square miles of territory east and west of the Niger were variously referred to either as cultural groups (e.g. the Nri, Isuama, Ezza, or Otanzu), or by the ecological zones in which they are found (e.g. Olu or Oru i.e. the riverain people or Adagbe, people of the .floodplain); Enugu, people who live on the hills, Aniocha, people who live on heavily leached and eroded solids; Ohozara, people of the savannah; or as occupational groups such as Opi egbe (people who fashion guns, Ndiyzu or Umudioka (blacksmiths, artists. and carvers). Since Igbo was used at this time pejoratively to refer to the densely populated uplands, the major sources of slaves, and by extension to slaves, it iv not surprisingly that many of these groups have been reluctant to accept the 'Igbo' identity ". (p.6)


http://www.waado.org/nigerdelta/essays/BalaUsman/Usman_Dike.html

I'm coming back to answer both of you....Decendants of human sellers!

ChinenyeN: Sigh, Eze Nri, you're clearly not on the same page as Odumchi.

Anyway, Odumchi, mind expanding on what you believe these inaccuracies are?

I must admit that this thread is indisputably analyzing culture from the perspective of an eastern Igbo. To me, that's completely natural since the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Igbo culture is my own [Aro] culture. Anyway, here are those inaccuracies that I mentioned:

1. When I was discussing religious beliefs, I said something about Aro being responsible for the spreading of the idea of Chukwu throughout Igboland. This is not exactly true. The concept of a supreme cosmic being such as Chukwu is ubiquitous throughout ali Igbo. The only thing is that in certain culture zones, Chukwu goes by different names. The only thing that bears some element of factuality in what I said is that the Aro did carry the name "Chukwu" along with them.

2. I also said something about Amadioha existing in mostly southern Igboland. This is also not exactly true. To the best of my knowledge, Amadioha (who is said to be based in Ozuzu, Ahoada) exists in parts of the north and is known as "Amadiora" while in the central and southern areas he's known as "Amadioha". Amadioha as a deity is nonexistent in the east. From Bende to Arochukwu, the deity that replaces Amadioha is Kamalu.

3. I think I described the strength and influence of both Nri and Aro too generously. First of all, Nri was not a center of trade and commerce nor was it exactly a center of academic learning. Agukwu Nri was simply a small town that was famed for having powerful medicine men and strong and well-developed religious traditions. Nri derived its influence from the fame of its revered medicine men who submitted to the authority of the chief medicine man, Eze Nri.

Arochukwu on the other hand was not as large (population-wise) as I made it out to be. At its height, (late 19th century) it probably had a population of maybe (generous) ten thousand people. In this time period, the Aro families that held an oligopoly on interior Igbo trade chose to host their renowned market fairs at other more-econimically-strategic towns such as Bende. Arochukwu was economically relevant mainly because it was the main transit point for slaves headed to Calabar and Bonny from the Igbo hinterland. Volumes of slaves, pilgrims, and desired goods and commodities passed through Arochukwu, but despite this, Aro families preferred to hold their large market fairs elsewhere since Arochukwu was more of a redistribution point than anything.

NRI PRIEST: I'm coming back to answer both of you....Decendants of human sellers!

I rere ivoro gi na Nkwo Nnewi?