The Eri creation myths of the Igbos holds that Chukwu-Okike sent down Eri and his wife Nnamaku down a ladder from the sky. He landed near the current town of Agulu Eri. From them came the sacred ancestors who founded the Igbos, Edos, Igalas, Yorubas, Junkuns, Hausas, and the rest of humanity.
According to other schools of thought, the origin of the Igbo begins with the story of the eponymous ancestor, Eri. By archeological account, in around 2345 BC in Ancient Egypt, a certain “M-Eru-ka (or Eru/Eri)” became a high priest to Pharaoh Teti.
Subsequently, as a result of dynastic tensions, M-Eru-ka let Kemit with many of his family and followers and set forth towards the south-west, where the great sea of southern Ethiopia washed the shores of Palm-tree lined beaches.
Eri as he was later called entered into the territory that was to become later day modern Nigeria. He set up many lodges across the land, wherein Kemitian Muur Sciences were studied and practised. Some elements of those sciences and wisdom still survive in mutilated forms in Nigeria of today.
In a similar vein, it has been pointed out that during the Exodus, which marked the beginning of the mass movement of the tribes of Israel, the tribe of Eri was amongst the tribe that left Egypt following the injunction from Jehova to his devotees, the Israelites (see Deuteronomy chapter 28 verses 58 – 68).
It has also been argued that some of these ancient Kemitian tribes founded settlements in the southern part of Sudan, where they established the “Nok” culture, which is similar to that of other (sun Cult) culture, like Nri, the Jukuns, and the Onaja Oboli dynasty of the Igalas, in the Northern part of Nigeria.
The main Eri group continued until the confluence of Rivers Niger and Anambara known as “Ezu-na-Omambala” and where it settled and founded the Agulu-Eri community.
Indeed, due to the calibre of its earliest founders and the sciences they set up, the network of nationalities that make up the country Nigeria, is a veritable invisible Muurish Empire about to manifest on the face of the earth.
Due to the influence of Eri and his civilization, many distinct aspects of Kemitian culture and science are found among the Igbos of Nigeria. For example, the Igbos were famous giant mound builders, constructing many structures similar to the Kemitian and Kushitic pyramides, like those that used to be at Nsude.
The religious pantheon of the Igbos and the ancient Kemitians share many similar ancestors and ancestresses many of them bearing identical names.
They shared the sun-god worship of Ra, Chukwu Ra; Kemitians were similarly fetishitic about circumcision, and menstrual periods like the Igbos. Similar hair styles, similar martial arts and self defense schools, similar social structures.
But for now, we will focus on some observed ligusitic similarities that exist between ancient Kemtian language and present day Igbo language, for many Kemitic Egyptian words yet survive in the Igbo language today. This is a current topical area of research in linguistics and history.
A small list of Ancient Egyptian words which survive in the Igbo language are as follows:
EGYPTIAN | IGBO (Onitsha and Uburu dialects used) KAKA(God) | Ka (greater, superior)
Khu (to kill, death) | Nwu/Gbu (die/to kill)
Em (smell) | Imi/Emi (nose, associated with smell)
Bi (to become) | Bu (to become)
un (living being) | Ndu (life)
Feh (to go away) | Feh (to fly away)
Budo (dwelling place) | Obodo/ubudo (country, dwelling place)
Dudu (black image of Osiris) | Mmadu (person)
Un (living person) | Ulo/Uno (living area, house)
Beka (pray/confess) | Biko/Beko (to plead, please)
Aru (mouth) | Onu (mouth) & kooh/Kwue (to speak)
Dor (settlement) | Dor-Nor (sit down, settle)
Ra -Shu (light after darkness) | La -Shu (sleep)
Aru (rise) | Anu/Kulie (up, rise)
Wu (rise) | KWu-ni/Kunie (rise)
In- n (negation) nh-n (negation)
Ma (to know) | Ma, Ma-li (to know)
Se (to create) | Ke (to create) & Se (to draw)
Hoo (rejoice) | Goo, ta-Goo (dance, rejoice)
Omijener (deep water) | Ime-me (deep inside)
Nen (the primeval water mother) | Nem (mother)
Ro (talk) | Kwo (to talk)
Penka (divide) Panje (break it)
Ala (Land of) | Ala (Land of, ground, boundary)
Amu (children) | Umu (children)
Ani (ground land below) | Ani (ground land below)
Ka (higher) | Ka (greater, higher, stronger, above)
Pa (open) | Meghee (open)
Isi (leader) | Isi (leader, head (body part), female name as in igbo: “Isioma”)
Oni (AE City) | Oni-tsha (Igbo City)
Ikhenaten (name of a Pharaoh) | Ikh-em (Igbo name for a male representing high power)
Au-nu (Crocodile) | Anu/Anu-Ma-nu (animal, beast)
Miri (water) | Miri (water)
Nahasu (other Blacks) | Ahasi/Ani-hasi (Evening, night)
Ak (man) | Ok-a (man)
Ehn/Hen (yes, nod head) | Eh (yes, nod head)
Paa/Faa (fly) | Feeh/Faa (fly)
Utcha (dawn) | Uchi-chi/Utchi-chi(night)
MM (among) | Imme (inside, among)
W (they) | Uwe (they, them)
Halo aj
please continue I am curious
Egypt is a Greek word. That area of Africa was originally called Kemut prior to the Greek invasion.
This is a fantastic research work. Absolutely true. It may be surprising to people but the Igbo of South-Eastern Nigeria are really Egyptians. The similarities are legion and too much of a coincidence. The language, the traditional forms of worship, the masonry, the lifestyle, etc.. Have we noticed the Nsibidi (the ancient form of writing of the Igbos)? There’s no difference whatsoever with the Hieroglyphics. I’ve gone through other research works by notable researchers like Prof. Catherine Acholonu and co. It’s very true.
Let me also state here that the name “Egypt” was originally an Igbo term “Oji-kputu” which means “Pitch black”. We all know that in ancient times, Egypt was widely known as the Black Land. (If anyone doesn’t know this then I guess that person has no business with this post at all). “Oji-kputu” was later anglicized by colonialists to “Egypt”. Yeah for the same reason Alexander the great defaced the Sphinx and many other monuments and sculptures in ancient Egypt.
point of correction,egypt is a greek word not igbo
Igbo is different from any other tribes in Africa. Apart from circumcision which they practice to show they are Jehovah s children from Israel etc, igbos are the most industrious people in Africa. Anywhere they go the place will develop(let there be light). Please make no mistake by equating igbos with the other tribes in Nigeria or Egypt, that is arrant nonsense
Chyke, guess this forum is for learning and connection the missing dots. We are not into superiority contest. Please through away this arrogance.
Dear Ibo Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings to you from the Eastern Part of Africa.Am happy with now the deeper search for the Origins.Am really happy with the contribution of Chizobem who posted an article on April 16th 2016, Indicating that the Igbo of Nigeria are Jews, true statement eventhough he proved it by only very Important example of the covenant God gave Ibrahim Genesis 17:10That God told Abraham to keep between God and Him and all his seeds, to circumcise all male children on the 8th day.This a practice that was followed by all Black Jews in Africa,Ibgo of Nigeria came from Egypt to Sudan, where they belonged to the DIMO tribe where the LUOs of Kenya,Tanzania,Luo Jurcholi of South Sudan, Jopadhola of Uganda and Alur of Uganda and Congo belongs.Igbo when they left Sudan to Niger then finally settled in their Present Home Nigeria reached the Land when the letter D” was not in the Alphabets of Nigeria so instead of Dimo, They were called IBO without D , but they retained the same names and cultural behaviuor of their Brothers who traveled East wards.In Igbo land whether in Anambra, Enugu,Ebonyi,or Abia, you cant fail to hear names like odinga short form of Odingalomeghi,Omoro,Odera, Ogada,Oburu, Onyisie,Oneya Okeno etc all those names are common in kenya among the Luos, or you have never had of Raila Odinga??
I have written the Historical origin of the Luo Commnity based on the word of God, the Bible.It is be published in Pennsylvania, in USA. I need only Support so that all those questions will be learn t and we shall unite to be one.The American 44th President was from this community, let us wake up and stir ourselves to the Height God ordained as to reach.The Book to come out of the press requires $6000.It is possible with all your support.And the book will educate you how special we are in the face of God
One common thing the Igbo of Nigeria shares with all tha
The truth of the origin in God’s chosen people. The black and brown people if this earth is so needed to remove the notion that white people are the chosen people. This lie has caused undue pain and suffering to humanity as whites kill people of color based on this notion they are superior because they are God’s chosen. The truth is needed to end this salvage injustice killings.
The truth of the origin of God’s chosen people, the black and brown people of this earth is so needed to remove the notion that white people are the chosen people.
This lie has caused undue pain and suffering to humanity as whites kill people of color based on the notion they are superior because they are God’s chosen. The truth is needed to end this salvage unjust killings.
Interesting post
Nether agree nor disagree with the post(s) above.
I just feel my ancestors of the US were quite disconnected in many ways from the African diaspora. Today my tribe of the US are suffering especially in the south of this continent. We as a people have to dig deeper & research more. Just not into Hebraic Knowledge anymore. It’s more 2 us than that