I recently went to Aro chukwu and was gifted with Omu arochukwu. But I don't know what it means. Please anyone with an idea of what it symbolizes culturally and spiritually? It's a beautiful piece.

Wow!! Are there no Aro indigenes on this forum or are you all ashamed of your culture OR is it that you are not at home with your culture? hmmmmmm. Please someone should help me out.

No Arochukwu man can ever be ashamed of our rich cultural and historical antecedents. I am just seeing this now and yes i am a full amadi of aro okeigbo. Bekee mbu.

In its simplest sense, the omu aro was a telegram used purposely to invite someone to appear at the behest of the eze, more like a subpoena to answer to issues raised against such a person by an accuser or a complainant. You would probably have heard that Aros were very egregious and were to be found everywhere. so the omu was used as a notice of invitation to answer to Arochukwu kingdom to clarify issues. Interestingly it is still in use.

I am not so sure about the gun and sword, my uncle who is a repository of such knowledge has passed on but i could call the okpankpo in council and get a confirmation of what those things mean.

I would imagine that the Eagle depicts the positional oversight of the Aros in those early years when we be strode a large chunk of the igbo heartland like a collosus. You may also reason that the gun and sword is a reminder of either the wars of the Aros to remove the Ekois and Ibibios or the bloody attack of the whiteman that the Aros contended with in the early 16th or 17th century.

hardbody:
In its simplest sense, the omu aro was a telegram used purposely to invite someone to appear at the behest of the eze, more like a subpoena to answer to issues raised against such a person by an accuser or a complainant. You would probably have heard that Aros were very egregious and were to be found everywhere. so the omu was used as a notice of invitation to answer to Arochukwu kingdom to clarify issues. Interestingly it is still in use.

I am not so sure about the gun and sword, my uncle who is a repository of such knowledge has passed on but i could call the okpankpo in council and get a confirmation of what those things mean.

I would imagine that the Eagle depicts the positional oversight of the Aros in those early years when we be strode a large chunk of the igbo heartland like a collosus. You may also reason that the gun and sword is a reminder of either the wars of the Aros to remove the Ekois and Ibibios or the bloody attack of the whiteman that the Aros contended with in the early 16th or 17th century.

Wow! Thanks so much. Does it mean I am being summoned? Or someone has something against me? Please I really need more info on it.

komzygirl:


Wow! Thanks so much. Does it mean I am being summoned? Or someone has something against me? Please I really need more info on it.

I thought you wanted to understand the significance of 'Omu Aro'.

When it was deployed for the purpose aforesaid in the olden days, the real 'Omu' was even tied up using the tender tips of the palm frond. That is what you see knotted in the middle of the engraved art that you displayed.

I hope we are not introducing sarcasm here. You did say it was a gift to you upon visiting Aro, so how does that claim tie in with my explanation? Have you noticed that the typical Aro man and woman has a wrapper with the omu aro insignia sewn into it. Would it mean that people who buy this in an open market are being summoned?

Again, I tend to think you might be able to learn a little more from the internet and zero any issues for clarification so that we can discuss within a narrow sphere.

komzygirl:


Wow! Thanks so much. Does it mean I am being summoned? Or someone has something against me? Please I really need more info on it.

The insignia, emblem, or logo “Omu Aro” (a compound word) appears quite simple to pronounce, simple in outlook and meaning, and of course, a simple symbol of identification of the Aro people, and Aro documents. This is precisely the feeling and thinking of a lot of people, some Arochukwu indigenes inclusive. However, when one is exposed to proper information and education, this simple emblem, will turn out to be one, loaded with witty information and messages, power and authority.
The use of insignia or emblems is now generally known, practiced, acknowledged, and widely adopted by various countries, states and a host of other government and non-governmental organizations. These symbols or emblems of identification and authority which are hardly mistaken are usually embossed, printed, painted or scattered on monuments, documents, national flags, bill boards, state buildings, vehicles, embassy buildings abroad, etc. This is with a reason to easily identify, recognize, publicize and demarcate boundaries of authority and jurisdiction as each case may be. It is therefore, in this same vein, that our fathers and forefathers designed, created and immortalized the ‘Omu Arochukwu” popularly known and called “Omu Aro”.
The insignia, “Omu Aro” is the acknowledged authority of the Eze-Aro. This is the logo or symbol you find on virtually all Aro official documents and items emanating from Eze-Aro’s Palace or being administered on his behalf by Aros at home and abroad.
It is also conspicuously printed on most Aro wrappers, with the “Omu Aro Wrappers” topping the list. The artistic design and production of this great emblem of identity is the handiwork and creation of two illustrious Aro sons, to whom tribute must be paid for immortalizing the “Omu Aro”. These were the late Mazi T.K. Uche of Ujari Village, and late Mazi W.O. Okereke of Amuvi Village. Mazi T.K. Uche was the author, composer and inventor, who first tried to translate his imagery impression of the “Omu” as a symbol of Aro authority on paper, in form of OMU-Aro diagram or sketch. This was later fine tuned as the logo we all know as “Omu Aro” today.
Mazi W.O. Okereke of the famous Okereke brothers business empire, after receiving the approval of the Eze Aro decided to immortalize the brilliant efforts of his brother by taking the design overseas, and purchased a patent for the printing of the present “Omu Aro cloth or wrapper”, which is now the pride of all Aros at home and in diaspora. Thus, he gave form and shape to the idea of late Mazi T.K. Uche on the overall interest and benefit of Aro indigenes.
The Omu and Omu Aro, for purposes of clarity and better understanding are not interchangeable. The omu is the young leaf or leaves of the palm tree or the knot, tied from this leaf by the Eze Aro, while the Omu Aro is the insignia or emblem of authority of the Eze Aro. The omu as we have it anywhere on Aro documents, monuments or wrappers has the knotted Omu leaf at the center, with a hand giving it and the other receiving it. On the boarders of the Omu are wavy lines which have a perched eagle with spread wings on top of the lines. By the two sides are crowns located one on each side, while diagonally crossed are a sword and a gun, with the Aro Motto “Ako Bu Ije” lie at the bottom of the emblem. In translating the design, it is a symbol of past and present historical power of the Aro people. The eagle on top of the emblem represents kingly honor, the swiftness and promptness that goes with the Omu call.
The crowns by the sides, show its royal backing from the Eze Aro’s Palace. The Omu at the center with one hand giving out and the other receiving it demonstrates that no person or persons, ever reject the Omu from an Aro Messenger. The gun and sword diagonally placed represents the force that is always behind the Omu message. It enforces strict obedience on all , who fail to comply with the “Omu” call and its message. Lastly, the Aro “Motto” Ako Bu Ije located at tail end of the logo simply means that wisdom goes with progress and success, in any adventure in life. On the whole, the Omu leaf is a special leaf of NSIBIRI which was the fastest and most powerful means of communication of the Aros of yesterday and today

hardbody:


I thought you wanted to understand the significance of 'Omu Aro'.

When it was deployed for the purpose aforesaid in the olden days, the real 'Omu' was even tied up using the tender tips of the palm frond. That is what you see knotted in the middle of the engraved art that you displayed.

I hope we are not introducing sarcasm here. You did say it was a gift to you upon visiting Aro, so how does that claim tie in with my explanation? Have you noticed that the typical Aro man and woman has a wrapper with the omu aro insignia sewn into it. Would it mean that people who buy this in an open market are being summoned?

Again, I tend to think you might be able to learn a little more from the internet and zero any issues for clarification so that we can discuss within a narrow sphere.

Thanks very much

hardbody:


The insignia, emblem, or logo “Omu Aro” (a compound word) appears quite simple to pronounce, simple in outlook and meaning, and of course, a simple symbol of identification of the Aro people, and Aro documents. This is precisely the feeling and thinking of a lot of people, some Arochukwu indigenes inclusive. However, when one is exposed to proper information and education, this simple emblem, will turn out to be one, loaded with witty information and messages, power and authority.
The use of insignia or emblems is now generally known, practiced, acknowledged, and widely adopted by various countries, states and a host of other government and non-governmental organizations. These symbols or emblems of identification and authority which are hardly mistaken are usually embossed, printed, painted or scattered on monuments, documents, national flags, bill boards, state buildings, vehicles, embassy buildings abroad, etc. This is with a reason to easily identify, recognize, publicize and demarcate boundaries of authority and jurisdiction as each case may be. It is therefore, in this same vein, that our fathers and forefathers designed, created and immortalized the ‘Omu Arochukwu” popularly known and called “Omu Aro”.
The insignia, “Omu Aro” is the acknowledged authority of the Eze-Aro. This is the logo or symbol you find on virtually all Aro official documents and items emanating from Eze-Aro’s Palace or being administered on his behalf by Aros at home and abroad.
It is also conspicuously printed on most Aro wrappers, with the “Omu Aro Wrappers” topping the list. The artistic design and production of this great emblem of identity is the handiwork and creation of two illustrious Aro sons, to whom tribute must be paid for immortalizing the “Omu Aro”. These were the late Mazi T.K. Uche of Ujari Village, and late Mazi W.O. Okereke of Amuvi Village. Mazi T.K. Uche was the author, composer and inventor, who first tried to translate his imagery impression of the “Omu” as a symbol of Aro authority on paper, in form of OMU-Aro diagram or sketch. This was later fine tuned as the logo we all know as “Omu Aro” today.
Mazi W.O. Okereke of the famous Okereke brothers business empire, after receiving the approval of the Eze Aro decided to immortalize the brilliant efforts of his brother by taking the design overseas, and purchased a patent for the printing of the present “Omu Aro cloth or wrapper”, which is now the pride of all Aros at home and in diaspora. Thus, he gave form and shape to the idea of late Mazi T.K. Uche on the overall interest and benefit of Aro indigenes.
The Omu and Omu Aro, for purposes of clarity and better understanding are not interchangeable. The omu is the young leaf or leaves of the palm tree or the knot, tied from this leaf by the Eze Aro, while the Omu Aro is the insignia or emblem of authority of the Eze Aro. The omu as we have it anywhere on Aro documents, monuments or wrappers has the knotted Omu leaf at the center, with a hand giving it and the other receiving it. On the boarders of the Omu are wavy lines which have a perched eagle with spread wings on top of the lines. By the two sides are crowns located one on each side, while diagonally crossed are a sword and a gun, with the Aro Motto “Ako Bu Ije” lie at the bottom of the emblem. In translating the design, it is a symbol of past and present historical power of the Aro people. The eagle on top of the emblem represents kingly honor, the swiftness and promptness that goes with the Omu call.
The crowns by the sides, show its royal backing from the Eze Aro’s Palace. The Omu at the center with one hand giving out and the other receiving it demonstrates that no person or persons, ever reject the Omu from an Aro Messenger. The gun and sword diagonally placed represents the force that is always behind the Omu message. It enforces strict obedience on all , who fail to comply with the “Omu” call and its message. Lastly, the Aro “Motto” Ako Bu Ije located at tail end of the logo simply means that wisdom goes with progress and success, in any adventure in life. On the whole, the Omu leaf is a special leaf of NSIBIRI which was the fastest and most powerful means of communication of the Aros of yesterday and today

Wow. Great write up. Thanks very much and remain blessed.

The Ibibio people of arochuku