House construction in Ezi Ukwu compound, Mgbom village, Afikpo Village-Group, Nigeria

Object Details

Local Numbers: O-84/1951-1953 EEPA 2000-070076
General: Title source: Dr. Simon Ottenberg, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

Archival Repository: Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art

Collection Rights: Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.

Scope and Contents: This photograph was taken by Dr. Simon Ottenberg while conducting field research at Afikpo village-group, southeastern Nigeria, from December 1951 to March 1953.; Original title reads, "House construction, Ezi Ukwu Compound, Mgbom village. Roof newly put on. House construction and repair is generally a dry season activity." [Ottenberg field research notes, O Series,December 1951-March 1953].; "The compound is called Ezi followed by the name of its founder, who is also usually the original ancestor of the patrilineage. The houses in many compounds, particularly those increasing in population, are built wall to wall and back to back, separated by narrow alleyways and streets winding tortuously here and there. There is usually a separate house for each man and for each woman and her children. New houses in the compound are constructed for a person by young age sets in the major lineage under the watchful eye of the uke ekpe grade and the major lineage elders. Any male member, or any independent woman associated with a minor patrilineage may erect a house on unused compound land. Once built, the house and the land on which it stands become the property of the minor patrilineage." [Ottenberg S., 1968: Double Descent in an African Society; the Afikpo Village-Group. University of Washington Press].

Collection Restrictions: Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.

Other Archival Materials: Simon Ottenberg Papers are located at the National Anthropological Archives, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution.