Curiousity Memoirs

By Jude Obuseh  “ Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” Chinua Achebe To the modern Igbo person, Ekwensu is the Igbo word for the Devil. He isn't just a lookalike of Satan, but Satan himself, merely called by a local name. Much like how a cup is referred to as "iko," Ekwensu is seen as the epitome of evil, the antithesis of Chukwu, the supreme God. He represents every imaginable form of wickedness, from the trivial to the downright hideous.  Interestingly, this view is a recent development that has gained popularity in modern interpretations. Originally, Ekwensu was not the chief of evil, the daring rival to Chukwu destined to roast in hell with the humans he possessed on earth.  According to the book "The Ekwensu Semantics and the Igbo Christian Theolinguistics" by P-J Ezeh, the original Igbo usage of Ekwensu did not connote evil. Ekwensu was a god, one among the many worshipped in Igbol...

By Jude Obuseh In Igbo culture, marriage takes on a unique form, allowing for same-sex unions while strictly prohibiting same-sex copulation. This intricate system reflects the deep-rooted cultural values and traditions of Igbo society, showcasing their commitment to lineage preservation and community cohesion. In this distinctive marriage arrangement, an elderly widow, having surpassed menopause, enters into a union with a younger woman of childbearing age. The primary aim is to ensure the continuation of the late husband's lineage by bearing sons who will carry forward his legacy. To initiate this unconventional marriage, the elderly widow notifies the umunna, the community's decision-making body, about her intention. Recognizing the significance of this sacrifice, the umunna extends its support and accompanies her as she seeks the hand of the maiden in marriage. Customary rites, including the payment of bride price, mark the formalization of the union, with the e...

By Jude Obuseh  American actress Kerry Washington shares a deep connection with Igbo culture through her marriage to Nigerian-American former NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha. Nnamdi's Igbo heritage has played a significant role in shaping their family dynamics. In a 2015 interview with InStyle, Kerry revealed, “Nnamdi’s parents are Nigerian immigrants. When you marry into the Igbo culture, you get a new name. My name is Ogechi." This adoption of an Igbo name is a symbolic and cherished aspect of embracing her husband's cultural heritage. Kerry not only wears her Igbo name, Ogechi, proudly but also carries it close to her heart, adorning it on a necklace given to her by her mother-in-law. This simple yet meaningful gesture reflects the actress's genuine appreciation for and integration into Igbo traditions. Taking their commitment to Igbo culture further, the couple bestowed Igbo names upon their children. Their daughter carries the middle name Amarac...

By Jude Obuseh In the heart of Ndiuche Ofe, Imo State, a captivating procession unfolds during a burial, revealing the rich cultural legacy of the Ekpe society. Members, adorned in 'Ukara Ekpe' cloth, bear Nsibidi designs painted on their torsos, symbolizing a unique form of coded communication. 🔍 **Exploring Ekpe Society:** Ekpe, a secret society thriving among various ethnic groups, including Ejagham, Igbo, Efik, and Ibibio, holds deep roots in the Cross River region and Western Cameroon. Its influence extends even to diasporic communities in Cuba and Brazil. 📜 **Unveiling Nsibidi Script:** Legend has it that Ekpe society members pioneered the Nsibidi script—an ideographic, abstract language integral to their coded communication. This script, once a source of spiritual empowerment, granted access to the mystical realm, enabling the establishment and enforcement of societal norms. 👔 **Ekpe and Nze na Ozo: Shapers of Modern Igbo Attire:** The attire o...

By Jude Obuseh Chiagoziem Orji, a visionary Igbo artist 🌟, embarks on a profound journey to resurrect and redefine the revered Uli art form within Igbo cultural heritage. Her artistry masterfully merges the age-old Uli art and the intricate Nsibidi script, presenting a resurgence of an ancient and mystical expression that dates back to the origins of the Igbo people. In an era where the wisdom and essence of our ancestral traditions seem to fade into obscurity, Chiagoziem Orji emerges as a vessel, a conduit of ancient wisdom bestowed upon the Igbo people by the revered Ndi Ichie and the gifts of Agwu, the divine force. Her creations resonate deeply with conscious Igbo individuals and Africans alike 🌐, each piece inviting viewers on a soul-stirring journey to decipher the profound messages encoded within. Through her artwork, Chiagoziem Orji taps into the cosmic realm, weaving a narrative that intertwines Agwu Nshi Oha, the pinnacle of universal authority, with...