Ikoro Agwu

This website is created by
John C. McCall
Department of Anthropology
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Dibia" is an Igbo term used to refer to traditional healers. The process of becoming a dibia involves many years of training and many levels of initiation. The "Ikoro Agwu" festival is a very advanced accomplishment in an Ohafia dibia's career. It might be compared with becoming a "full professor" in the American academic system.

A view of Akanu, Ohafia.
Mazi Nmecha and his wife.
The ekwe mbe (tortoise shell drum) is a traditional instrument of dibia.
The Ikoro (a slit gong made of iroko wood) announces the event.
Ichu Aja ("sacrifice"). A goat is slain for the feast and an offering of blood is made to bless the ikoro.
Nmecha's son dances with other dibia to celebrate his father's accomplishments.
Schoolchildren watch as a dibia arrives on a motorcycle with his son sitting in his lap. The ram's mane on the handlebars are typical of traditional Ohafia warriors garb and lend the motorcycle a masculine flair.

Click here to return to the Ohafia Home Page

Many dibia were in attendence: