Agitations, protests and confrontations of any kind have always been part and parcel of the Nigerian system. Way before the country got her independence in 1960, during the colonial era and till now; these actions have either led to a…
West African Ancestral Cults Shows The Belief In Life After Death
Every society has a belief in something belief in life, belief in death a belief in life after death. These beliefs are instrumental components of culture, and they influence the disposition of a community/people. These principles could be said to…
Black Culture is Flourishing. How Can It Be Preserved?
Black culture is flourishing. Jenna Wortham and Kimberly Drew want to preserve it. Here’s what that means. Seeing Black Futures This essay and the portfolio below are adapted from “Black Futures,” to be published in December by One World, an…
Significance Of Henna In Indian Weddings
Henna is a historical part of India, Middle Eastern Asia and Africa. Yet, most cultures and religions of the world use henna, all in their unique ways. According to some scholars, henna’s introduction to India is as recent as the…
The Importance Of Drums In African Tradition
Drums are a very essential member of the percussion group of musical instruments. They are normally played by beating with the hand, or with one or two sticks with or without padding. Depending on the class of drum and the…
Nigeria: Female Inheritance – Why Some Igbo Women Stand By Their Culture
By the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in a landmark decision to uphold the right of a female child to inherit properties of her father, the apex court has voided the Igbo age-long law and custom which forbids…
The Sambian Boy’s Initiation Rites
The Sambian people of Papua New Guinea practice one of the most bizarre cultures known to westernisation. So bizarre was this culture that a cultural anthropologist, Gilbert Herdt, described their ritual act of initiation as “ritualised homosexuality.” For clarity, the…
Black And Beautiful: A Look Into The Dance Moves Of “Black Is King”
Like gods, we have been summoned by the Queen of the beehive community to once again retee facts and make it crystal clear in colours, beauty and vibrant dance steps that are unquestionably warrior-like and fierce. The purpose is clear…
The Mystery Of The Osun-Oshogbo Grove: Romance Between Nature And Culture
The historical antecedent of “Oshogbo” tells the story of a hunter who saved his people from famine and slavery, turned to the river Osun goddess for help, would later establish a community along the bank of the river and which…
The Eradication Of Tribal Marks In Nigeria
When Bola walked into the class, the first thing the children noticed was the tribal mark on her face. At first, they ignored her, but later, they asked if her dad has a dog that bit her. She told them…