Nnewi Museum: DDM uncovers fantastic, historical, cultural artefacts of ancient world

The cultural heart of Nnewi came alive on Thursday, April 10, 2025, as the Diaspora Digital media (DDM) crew embarked on a guided tour of the Anambra State Museum, better known as Nnewi Museum.

The Museum is located in front of the Igwe Nnewi Palace, Otolo.

The visit aims to explore its rich array of historical artefacts and traditional exhibits.

Nnewi Museum is designed to showcase the historical and cultural legacy of the Nnewi Kingdom, also known as Anaedo, or “The land of gold.”

It was a beautiful and memorable experience, as the museum’s proximity to the Igwe Nnewi Palace offers a chance to experience the living history of the town’s monarchy alongside its curated past.

As we began the tour, Mrs. Ifeoma Atueyi, our curator and cultural education officer, said that Nnewi Museum celebrated her first anniversary on April 1, 2025.

She also said that the museum’s grand opening, was marked by a vibrant ceremony attended by local dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts, and community members.

Mrs. Atueyi explained that the museum stands as a beacon of history, tradition, and pride for the people of Anambra State and beyond.

“Our museum captures the spirit of Nnewi, its traditions, its monarchy, and its journey through time.

“Each collection here tells a story of origin, resilience, and creativity.

“Our goal is to preserve the heritage of the Nnewi people and the broader Igbo civilization,” she told the team.

During the tour, the museum also offered an immersive experience into Igbo history, artistry, and leadership traditions preserved within the museum’s walls, which includes:

• Archaeological artefacts

The museum exhibits artifacts representing the Igbo dynasty and its heritage, including gifts received by former Igwes (kings) of Nnewi from other cultures and countries.

• Traditional crafts

The museum houses a collection of bronze artifacts, including vessels and sculptures, reflecting the rich history and artistry of the Igbo-Ukwu civilization.

• Historical relics

The museum also displays tools used in agriculture, fishing, and crafts, revealing insights into the daily lives of Igbo people.

• Cultural displays

The museum shows objects and artifacts that represent various aspects of Nnewi culture, such as traditional attire, tools, and implements used in daily life and ceremonies, and also the customs, traditions, and practices of the various ethnic groups in the state

The Museum is also divided into two sections, the first segment gives insight about the legacy of the Nnewi monarchy, while the second section gives an understanding of Igbo spiritual world.

The legacy of Nnewi monarchy

The legacy of the Nnewi monarchy exhibits a detailed showcase of the reign of His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III, Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional ruler.

The collection includes royal crowns, chairs, scepters, beaded attire, historic documents, and rare photographs tracing the monarch’s decades-long stewardship and contributions to community development.

Igbo spiritual world

In the Igbo spiritual world section, sacred artefacts such as ancestral masks, divination tools, shrine figurines, and ritual vessels were on display.

A few of such artefacts are captured below:

1. Ukwu na Ije

In ancient times, a man embarking on a journey offers prayers through the medium of Ukwu na Ije for the safety and success of the journey.

2. Mpata (Chief’s Stool)

It is a significant piece of furniture used by an Ọzọ initiate in Nnewi.

To this day, no initiation into the Nze na Ọzọ Nnewi is complete without this ancient chair of the sage, serving as a solemn reminder to the Ọzọ title holder of his sacred obligations to the community as a pristine being and a judge among men.

3. Ancestral masks

The Ekpo and Ekpe masquerades from Calabar town evoke the spirit of ethnic unity and cultural pride.

4. Nkpo

There were also different walking sticks (Nkpo) showcasing the Igbo cultural heritage.

Mrs. Ifeoma explained how these items played central roles in festivals, rites of passage, and seasonal celebrations.

Other highlights included traditional musical instruments, handwoven Akwete textiles, decorated calabashes, wooden statues, and ceremonial stools, each representing facets of Igbo culture, artistry, and oral.

Challenges faced by the Nnewi Museum

While the cultural significance of the museum is undeniable, Mrs. Ifeoma lamented the facility’s critical lack of support.

She cited several challenges hindering its smooth operation: “Right now, we have no steady electricity, such as solar light.

“Sometimes we go in total darkness, that affects our lighting, security, and ability to preserve sensitive materials.” She said

“Funding remains a major issue. We depend on occasional grants and personal sacrifices from donors.

“There is no steady budget for maintenance or upgrades,” Mrs. Ifeoma said.

She called on the Anambra State government, cultural organizations, and private sector donors to intervene.

Despite the challenges, Mrs. Atueyi remains hopeful.

“We are the custodians of our history. If we don’t protect it, who will?” she said.

Old Nigerian coins ~ Naira and kobo

The DDM crew commended the museum’s efforts in preserving indigenous heritage and pledged to support its promotion through digital media.

Mr. Tochukwu Oguagbaka, one of the team members, said:

“We’re leaving here enriched and inspired. This is history that deserves a louder voice,” he added.

As the crew departed, they left with a deeper appreciation for Nnewi’s legacy and a renewed commitment to help preserve it.

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