OMU ARO: THE INTERSECTION OF IGBO ARTS AND SPIRITUALITY
Publication information:
Abstract
The Omu Aro is the emblem and insignia of the Arochukwu people, an Igbo subgroup in Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria. It serves as a symbol of unity, integrity, identity, and is a reflection of the Aro's spirituality. The art, created using elements like palm, eagle, hands, shield, sword, and gun, blurs the boundary between Aro art and spirituality. The paper employs a multidimensional approach to explore the intersections between art, spirituality, colonialism, and ecology, using the Igwebuike complementary theoretical framework. The paper discovers that beyond the artistic expression of the Omu Aro, embedded are echoes of spirituality, colonialism and ecology.
Presenter Biography
Ikechukwu Anthony Kanu is a Professor of African Philosophy and Religious Traditions, and Director of Research, Publications and International Linkages at Veritas University Abuja. He is an Adjunct/Tenured Professor to the University of America and Tansian University. Kanu is the founder of the Association for the Promotion of African Studies.