Women of the Elephant Tusk: ndi otu odu
The otu odu society, a highly prestigious socio-political women's group, is a cardinal institution that holds great significance amongst the onicha people. With a history dating back decades, the society plays a vital role in the preservation and propagation of Igbo customs and traditions. The word odu means elephant tusk thus, members of the otu odu society are signified by the wearing of odu aka, ivory tusks on their wrists and odu ukwu, around their ankles. As a collective, these women are referred to as ndi otu odu.
Membership into the otu odu society is considered prestigious, and admission is granted only to indigenes of onicha or those who have married a man from onicha. Heritage alone though, is not enough. The women have to be of sufficient enough social standing to have bought the rights to wear the odu aka and odu ukwu.
The significance of elephant tusks in otu odu society holds a deep cultural and historical importance. For centuries, these majestic creatures have been revered and their ivory tusks have been sought after as valuable treasures. The significance of elephant tusks amongst ndi otu odu society is multifaceted, encompassing aspects of heritage, wealth, power, and spirituality. They are considered as emblems of the community's long-standing connection with nature and the wildlife that thrives in their surroundings. Highly respected figures within the society, such as tribal chiefs and influential elders, often adorned themselves with ivory jewellery made from elephant tusks, effectively showcasing their elevated status. The strength and size of an elephant's tusks parallel the strength and power of those who possess them, creating a link between the natural world and human leadership.
Installation Views + Works
Interview with otu odu member, Dibueze Cynthia Lisk-Carew
otu odu interview with Cynthia Lisk-Carew
Artist Statement
Women of the Elephant Tusk: ndi otu odu" is a tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the Igbo people, specifically Onicha, the vibrant commercial city along the Niger River in South-eastern Nigeria. As an indigene of Onicha myself, and as a woman, it was important for me to highlight the Otu Odu society, the esteemed socio-political women's group that forms one of the four governing bodies of Onicha.
This exhibition, two years in the making, relied on extensive research with my father, George Umunna, and aunt, Enyi Dibueze Cynthia Obianuju Lisk-Carew. It is my most personal exhibition to date, intertwining familial legacy with cultural exploration; most of the paintings and reference images are of
my family members, making it a heartfelt tribute not only to the heritage of the Igbo people but also to the indelible mark left by my own lineage. The significance of the Otu Odu society cannot be overstated. The women serve as guardians of Igbo customs, a beacon of tradition dating back to the 16th century. The very name, Odu, meaning elephant tusk, encapsulates the majesty and reverence bestowed on its members, who proudly wear ivory tusks as symbols of their identity and status. Within these hallowed halls of tradition, I find echoes of my own family history. The stories and triumphs of my grandmothers and aunts—esteemed members of the Otu Odu society—are a mainstay of this body of work. Through archival material and personal narratives, I offer a glimpse into their lives and their unwavering commitment to preserving our heritage.
The significance of elephant tusks within the Otu Odu society takes on added layers of meaning as I reflect on the lives of these matriarchs. Like the tusks themselves, they embodied strength, wisdom, and resilience. Their legacy is a testament to the enduring power of women in shaping our communities and identities.
In "Women of the Elephant Tusk: ndi otu odu," I invite viewers to journey through the corridors of time, where tradition meets modernity. This exhibition is a celebration of Nigerian heritage and women's empowerment, echoing the voices of my ancestors and amplifying the contributions of women. It is a reminder that our cultural tapestry is rich and diverse, woven from the threads of countless generations.
Finally, it was an honour to have the blessing of Enyi Ugobeze Florence Osoka, President General Otu Odu Society of Onicha Ado, to depict the society and carry out this exhibition. I was equally honoured to have the contribution of one of Onicha's most revered visual artists, Oliver Enwonwu, to my body of work. The words of Professor Gloria Chuku, Professor of Africana Studies at UMBC and Department Chair, added the coup de grâce. Her research focuses on Igbo history and culture, gender studies, and women in the colonial and postcolonial political economies of Nigeria.
Women of the Elephant Tusk: ndi otu odu is more than just an art exhibition, it is a catalyst for dialogue and inclusion. By showcasing Nigeria's cultural revival through visual art, I hope to foster a more inclusive arts community globally. This body of work is a testament to the resilience and progressivism of the Igbo people; it is a celebration of our past, a reflection on our present, and a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
REWA
Images from Opening Reception
