Skip to main content

Excerpt from Northcote Thomas's Anthropological Report on Ibo-speaking Peoples of Nigeria

Image Historical Lore
Scan of a printed page from Northcote Thomas's anthropological report on the Ibo-speaking peoples of Nigeria.
Excerpt from Northcote Thomas's Anthropological Report on Ibo-speaking Peoples of Nigeria, Part IV, Law and Custom of the Ibo of the Asaba District, S. Nigeria, p.189.

A photograph depicting a printed textual fragment from Northcote Thomas's Anthropological Report on Ibo-speaking Peoples of Nigeria, Part IV, Law and Custom of the Ibo of the Asaba District, S. Nigeria, page 189. The text documents the localized governance system in Okpanam, specifically the role of the 'qmu' (Omu), who acts as the market queen. Her regulatory powers include using a stool as a signal to commence market activities, utilizing an 'agogo' (bell) to summon the 'ikei ani' for significant matters, and levying dues on market women. The document also lists behavioral prohibitions, such as the prohibition of fighting and the rules regarding seating priority, where individuals are forbidden from sitting before the Omu.

Community Notes

Onyeka Nwokike

Oct 17, 2026

Titled Omu in the Anioma nation serve as spiritual protectors to the Obi (king) and exercise authority over market prices and shrines, according to The Omu of Okpanam – Afro-Global Education Deliveries and Omu and the red cap controversy in Okpanam - [Re:]Entanglements.

Onyeka Nwokike

Oct 17, 2026

During his September 1912 visit to Okpanam, Northcote Thomas captured approximately 30 photographs, including a portrait of the Omu (photograph no. 4108). This image depicts the Omu with nzu (kaolin chalk) marks on her forehead and around her eyes, wearing an assortment of bead and shell necklaces and a cap adorned with feathers and small triangular blades (Omu and the red cap controversy in Okpanam - [Re:]Entanglements).

Onyeka Nwokike

Oct 17, 2026

The okpu ododo (red cap of office) is the subject of ongoing political disputes in Okpanam regarding who is entitled to wear it. This symbol of authority was used by senior title holders and warrant chiefs during the colonial era (Omu and the red cap controversy in Okpanam - [Re:]Entanglements), while more recent administrative developments include the 2004 introduction of the Ugoani post to represent the Diokpa-Isi and Izu Ani (General Assembly).

Log in to add context.

Previous
Ajonku Masquerade at Ovim Village
Next
Carved Wooden Shrine Object from North Ika

You May Also Like

Discussion

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Discussion

Guest Mode