The architecture of Ikwerre ethnic group is deeply influenced by cosmological and spiritual beliefs, creating a built environment that reflects the Ikwerre worldview and connection to the hidden. Architecture serves as a physical expression of a culture’s values and beliefs, while cosmology reflects the shared understanding or interpretation of the universe held by that culture. Fundamental to Ikwerre cosmology is the belief in a world shared by humans, ancestors, deities, and spirits, with each entity occupying and influencing specific realms. Cosmological architecture involves designing and constructing buildings and structures based on the principles of cosmology. This paper examines how cosmology and spiritism shape Ikwerre architectural forms, spatial organization and construction practices. This study highlights how cosmology and spiritism are woven into Ikwerre architectural identity, underscoring the depth of spirituality embedded in everyday structures and the holistic nature of traditional Ikwerre architecture. The study is based on qualitative research approach. The findings from the interviews conducted shows that Architectural elements, like the use of earthen materials, like mud, clay, thatch, raffia, bamboo and carvings of totems, are chosen for their spiritual significance, because it is believed that they carry protective powers or channel ancestral guidance while compound layouts, community spaces, and shrines are not merely functional but are designed to honor these relationships, fostering harmony between the spiritual and physical worlds. Sacred spaces, such as sacred grooves and shrines, are strategically integrated to invite protection and blessings. Spatial orientation also reflects cosmological principles, with entrances, and courtyards positioned to harness energies that are beneficial for health, prosperity, and protection. Through these practices, Ikwerre architecture becomes a living expression of cultural identity, serving as a bridge between generations, and preserving the community’s cosmological and spiritual heritage.

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1. Adamu M. Interpretation of significant and messages in Hausa traditional architecture. Case of the Zaure entrance hall. AARCHES J. 2005;4(1):10–
2. Agboola O, Zango M. Development of traditional architecture in Nigeria: A case study of Hausa house form. Int J Afr Soc Cult Tradit. 2014;1(1):61–
3. Amadi SE. The Ikwerre Philosophy of Nye-Okumadu in a World of Change. 2021;2(4):90–100.
4. Kangkum A. Culture and architecture in Nigeria: A reflection. The phylogeny of the Nigerian architecture. Architecture Nigeria Magazine of the Nigerian Institute of Architects. 2022 Aug.
5. Baines J. Visual and written culture in ancient Egypt. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. 2007.
6. Bilyaminu M. Modern architecture in Nigeria and its trends in historical buildings (Failure of modernist in conservation and restoration of historical buildings). Int J Archit Urban Devel. 2017;7(3):5–
7. Cooler R. The sacred geometry of perfect forms in east and west understanding religious buildings: Different perceptions- identical forms. Illinois. 2014:8–
8. Curtis WJR. Modern architecture since 1900. 3rd edition, London, England: Phaidon Press.
9. Danja I, Li X, Dalibi S. Vernacular architecture of northern Nigeria: A review. IJSER. 2017;8(3):1219–
10. Denyer S. African traditional architecture. African company. 1978.
11. Denyer S. Introduction to African traditional architecture: A historical and geographical perspective. London, England: Heinemann. 1979.
12. Efe N, Euyice EO. Circle as a symbol of power in architecture. Istanbul Dakem Eastern Mediterranean Academic Research Center. 2019.
13. Ogwutum S. Outstanding customs of Ikwerre people. Port Harcourt: Orn-Dax Printing Press. 1996;1.
14. Oliver RA, Fagan BM. Africa in the Iron Age: C. 500 B.C. to A.D. 1400. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.1975.
15. Olumati R. Elements of African cosmology. A traditional legacy of Ikwerre people of Rivers State of Nigeria (EPHA). 2012;9(1&2):43–52.
16. Olumati R. Omu ngwo (Omu-Furled-Tender Palm Frond) symbology in Ikwerre, rivers state. AFRREV IJAH: Int J Arts Humanit. 2015;4(1):224–
17. Olumati R. The impact of christianity and modernity on Ali-earth goddess of the traditional religion of the Ikwerre people, Rivers state. Afr Res Rev. 2015;9(1):95–108.
18. Olumati R. Ikwerre moral values: A panacea for insecurity and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria. CAJSS. 2022;03(10):2660–
19. Okoye BC. Igbo vernacular architecture: Where architecture meets climate change adaptation. In Okpulo-J Arts Cult Herit. 2019;2(3).
20. Osasona OC. From traditional residential architecture to the vernacular: The Nigerian experience. 2008. Retrieved from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.508.9962.
21. Grütter. Basics of perception in architecture. Springer Vieweg Wiesbaden, Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH. Part of Springer Nature. 2020.
22. Ichendu C. Traditional architecture of Ikwerre land. A case study of Emohua: Cradle to post modernism. Paradigm Academic Press Innovation in Science and Technology. 2022 Oct;1(3):66– SSN 2788-7030.
23. Igbokwe, Omeire. The role of traditional beliefs systems in environmental management: A case of Igbo society. Eur Acad Res. 2020 Sept;8(6).
24. Ikudayisi AE, Odeyale TO. Designing for cultural revival: African housing in perspective space and culture. © The Author(s) article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions. 2019: 1–18. DOI:10.1177/1206331218825432 journals.sagepub.com/home/sac
25. Imaah NO. Architecture and Ikwerre culture: Hidden dimensions. Narodna umjetnost-Hrvatski časopis za etnologiju i folkloristiku. 2004;41(1):69–
26. Mwale KP, Lintonbon LO. Heritage, identity and the politics of representation in tribal spaces: An examination of architectural approaches in Mochudi, Botswana and Moruleng, South Africa. Int J Herit Stud. 2019:281– Published online: 26 May 2019.
27. Mwakyusa ATH. Traditional and contemporary building styles used in Tanzania and to develop models for current needs (Doctoral dissertation). 2006. Retrieved from http://stclements.edu/grad/gradmwak.pdf
28. Singer R, Weiner JA. Biological aspects of some indigenous African populations. Southwest J Anthropol. 1963;19:168–
29. Tasie G. Isiokpo-Ikwerre religious world-view: The traditional legacy. In G. Tasie (Ed.) Aspects of the Niger delta indigenous religions. University of Port Harcourt Press. 2007.
30. Wotogbe–Weneka W. Fundamentals of indigenous African religion of Ikwerre, Nigeria. J Orient Afr Stud. 1996;(8):137–146.

The architecture of Ikwerre ethnic group is deeply influenced by cosmological and spiritual beliefs, creating a built environment that reflects the Ikwerre worldview and connection to the hidden. Architecture serves as a physical expression of a culture’s values and beliefs, while cosmology reflects the shared understanding or interpretation of the universe held by that culture. Fundamental to Ikwerre cosmology is the belief in a world shared by humans, ancestors, deities, and spirits, with each entity occupying and influencing specific realms. Cosmological architecture involves designing and constructing buildings and structures based on the principles of cosmology. This paper examines how cosmology and spiritism shape Ikwerre architectural forms, spatial organization and construction practices. This study highlights how cosmology and spiritism are woven into Ikwerre architectural identity, underscoring the depth of spirituality embedded in everyday structures and the holistic nature of traditional Ikwerre architecture. The study is based on qualitative research approach. The findings from the interviews conducted shows that Architectural elements, like the use of earthen materials, like mud, clay, thatch, raffia, bamboo and carvings of totems, are chosen for their spiritual significance, because it is believed that they carry protective powers or channel ancestral guidance while compound layouts, community spaces, and shrines are not merely functional but are designed to honor these relationships, fostering harmony between the spiritual and physical worlds. Sacred spaces, such as sacred grooves and shrines, are strategically integrated to invite protection and blessings. Spatial orientation also reflects cosmological principles, with entrances, and courtyards positioned to harness energies that are beneficial for health, prosperity, and protection. Through these practices, Ikwerre architecture becomes a living expression of cultural identity, serving as a bridge between generations, and preserving the community’s cosmological and spiritual heritage.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Adamu M. Interpretation of significant and messages in Hausa traditional architecture. Case of the Zaure entrance hall. AARCHES J. 2005;4(1):10–
2. Agboola O, Zango M. Development of traditional architecture in Nigeria: A case study of Hausa house form. Int J Afr Soc Cult Tradit. 2014;1(1):61–
3. Amadi SE. The Ikwerre Philosophy of Nye-Okumadu in a World of Change. 2021;2(4):90–100.
4. Kangkum A. Culture and architecture in Nigeria: A reflection. The phylogeny of the Nigerian architecture. Architecture Nigeria Magazine of the Nigerian Institute of Architects. 2022 Aug.
5. Baines J. Visual and written culture in ancient Egypt. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. 2007.
6. Bilyaminu M. Modern architecture in Nigeria and its trends in historical buildings (Failure of modernist in conservation and restoration of historical buildings). Int J Archit Urban Devel. 2017;7(3):5–
7. Cooler R. The sacred geometry of perfect forms in east and west understanding religious buildings: Different perceptions- identical forms. Illinois. 2014:8–
8. Curtis WJR. Modern architecture since 1900. 3rd edition, London, England: Phaidon Press.
9. Danja I, Li X, Dalibi S. Vernacular architecture of northern Nigeria: A review. IJSER. 2017;8(3):1219–
10. Denyer S. African traditional architecture. African company. 1978.
11. Denyer S. Introduction to African traditional architecture: A historical and geographical perspective. London, England: Heinemann. 1979.
12. Efe N, Euyice EO. Circle as a symbol of power in architecture. Istanbul Dakem Eastern Mediterranean Academic Research Center. 2019.
13. Ogwutum S. Outstanding customs of Ikwerre people. Port Harcourt: Orn-Dax Printing Press. 1996;1.
14. Oliver RA, Fagan BM. Africa in the Iron Age: C. 500 B.C. to A.D. 1400. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.1975.
15. Olumati R. Elements of African cosmology. A traditional legacy of Ikwerre people of Rivers State of Nigeria (EPHA). 2012;9(1&2):43–52.
16. Olumati R. Omu ngwo (Omu-Furled-Tender Palm Frond) symbology in Ikwerre, rivers state. AFRREV IJAH: Int J Arts Humanit. 2015;4(1):224–
17. Olumati R. The impact of christianity and modernity on Ali-earth goddess of the traditional religion of the Ikwerre people, Rivers state. Afr Res Rev. 2015;9(1):95–108.
18. Olumati R. Ikwerre moral values: A panacea for insecurity and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria. CAJSS. 2022;03(10):2660–
19. Okoye BC. Igbo vernacular architecture: Where architecture meets climate change adaptation. In Okpulo-J Arts Cult Herit. 2019;2(3).
20. Osasona OC. From traditional residential architecture to the vernacular: The Nigerian experience. 2008. Retrieved from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.508.9962.
21. Grütter. Basics of perception in architecture. Springer Vieweg Wiesbaden, Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH. Part of Springer Nature. 2020.
22. Ichendu C. Traditional architecture of Ikwerre land. A case study of Emohua: Cradle to post modernism. Paradigm Academic Press Innovation in Science and Technology. 2022 Oct;1(3):66– SSN 2788-7030.
23. Igbokwe, Omeire. The role of traditional beliefs systems in environmental management: A case of Igbo society. Eur Acad Res. 2020 Sept;8(6).
24. Ikudayisi AE, Odeyale TO. Designing for cultural revival: African housing in perspective space and culture. © The Author(s) article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions. 2019: 1–18. DOI:10.1177/1206331218825432 journals.sagepub.com/home/sac
25. Imaah NO. Architecture and Ikwerre culture: Hidden dimensions. Narodna umjetnost-Hrvatski časopis za etnologiju i folkloristiku. 2004;41(1):69–
26. Mwale KP, Lintonbon LO. Heritage, identity and the politics of representation in tribal spaces: An examination of architectural approaches in Mochudi, Botswana and Moruleng, South Africa. Int J Herit Stud. 2019:281– Published online: 26 May 2019.
27. Mwakyusa ATH. Traditional and contemporary building styles used in Tanzania and to develop models for current needs (Doctoral dissertation). 2006. Retrieved from http://stclements.edu/grad/gradmwak.pdf
28. Singer R, Weiner JA. Biological aspects of some indigenous African populations. Southwest J Anthropol. 1963;19:168–
29. Tasie G. Isiokpo-Ikwerre religious world-view: The traditional legacy. In G. Tasie (Ed.) Aspects of the Niger delta indigenous religions. University of Port Harcourt Press. 2007.
30. Wotogbe–Weneka W. Fundamentals of indigenous African religion of Ikwerre, Nigeria. J Orient Afr Stud. 1996;(8):137–146.