Ancient Iron-Working in Igbo Village
A fascinating article in Sun Nigeria related the story of the village of Lejja, part of the town of Nsukka, in northern Igboland. Apparently the site has been studied for decades.
“Dr. Opata, who is currently a senior lecturer in the Department of History, UNN [University of Nigeria Nsukka] and Chairman Academic Staff Union of universities (ASUU), UNN chapter said: ‘I started working on the site as an undergraduate in 1994,’ ” according to the article.
The first picture of the three below shows the road to Lejja. The other two are people involved with studying the site.
https://www.sunnewsonline.com/lejja-agony-of-abandoned-tourist-town/
The scholars working at the site say, “Lejja iron smelting site is one of the oldest in the world, which dates back to about 2000 BC.” They have appealed to the state government to preserve the location, improve the road to Lejja, and cement its status as a world heritage site and tourist attraction.
Another Award for Cheluchi
My cousin-in-law Cheluchi Onyemelukwe has received another award for her book. She received the prize for the best international fiction at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2019 for her novel, ‘The Son of the House’.
There is an excellent review on the Penguin Random House website and a video.
The novel also has very high ratings on Goodreads. But it’s not yet available for purchase in the US. I’ll let you know when it is.
Praise for Breaking Kola
My Peace Corps friend and colleague Tom Hebert gave a copy of Breaking Kola to his friend Perry. Tom sent me this note he received in thanks:
Breaking Kola: An Inside View of African Customs
Thank you for giving me this book, Breaking Kola. I am also thankful to Catherine Onyemelukwe for her in-depth research into the Igbo culture and custom. She portrayed the positive aspects of Igbo culture and its resilience in the face of onslaught from western culture. The extended family system and the concept of marriage as a union of the two villages rather than two persons acts as a cement that bind the Igbos together up till today.
The entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbos was depicted in the book as illustrated with the life of her father in-law. The driving force for the Igbo man’s success is his desire to bequeath to his children a better life than he got. Success or failure is based on this premise.The Igbos love their traditions and customs of which breaking the kola nut is one unique example, but they are also wise enough to know when there is a paradigm shift and will adjust to the new paradigm, e,g their acceptance of christian religion, education and commerce.Breaking kola is a good book to read for anyone who wants to understand the life struggles, triumphs, travails and nuances of the Igbo culture. Oji rue uno, okwue ebe osi bia (When the kola reaches home, it will share where it came from).Thank you.Perry Ukachukwu
Electricity in Nigeria
My husband has finished his book on the history and current state of electricity in Nigeria. We hope it will be published soon, maybe in time for the holiday season!
We are fortunate to have so many writers in the family!
