Uzochikwado Pamela Ifejoku, a Nigerian female artist, has created the Akwáọcha series, a six-piece collection that explores themes of identity, memory, and resistance.
The series uses the sacred cloth of Anioma people, Akwáọcha, as a symbol of identity, strength, and cultural heritage.
The artworks in the series tell unique and profound stories rooted in the experiences and struggles of the artist’s community.
The Akwáọcha series has garnered significant attention and has been exhibited in several prestigious venues, including the +234 Art Fair, the Boundaries and Bridges Art Exhibition at the Federal Palace Hotel, the Art and Tech Exhibition by Iriri Gallery at Thought Pyramid Gallery, and the Palace of the King of Idumuje-Ugboko, which now proudly houses one of the works from the series titled Ụmụada.
A part of the series will also be showcased at the Tayese Arts and Culture Exhibition in London, themed “Celebrating Women.”
“Each artwork in the series tells a unique and profound real-life story, drawn directly from true events, people, and experiences within the artist’s community. These narratives reflect personal histories, collective memory, and the resilience woven into everyday life. The works serve as intimate windows into the rich cultural traditions of the Igbo and Anioma peoples, while also exploring universal themes of identity, memory, resistance, and healing.
Artworks in the Akwáọcha Series
1. Íwébénúà – Inspired by the true story of a woman who married three brothers, each of whom died, leading to her being wrongfully accused of witchcraft. Draped in Akwáọcha, she symbolizes endurance in the face of grief, stigma, and isolation. This piece was inspired by a book written by Felix Banye, titled after his mother “Íwébénúà”, which recounts her life, struggles, and strength in the face of injustice.
2. Ụmụada – A tribute to the revered women of the Ụmụada society—first daughters and traditional birth attendants who embody ancestral strength, spiritual guidance, and the power of community healing.
3. Akụkọ ọnwa – Rooted in the story of Demas Nwoko’s mother, who lost four children before him and named him Udene (vulture) to invoke survival. This work explores themes of loss, maternal fear, hope, and the protective power of names.
4. Ányạ̀ àtọ́ – Chronicles the later years of the iconic artist Demas Nwoko, who began to lose his physical sight but gained a deeper inner vision. The piece speaks to spiritual clarity, aging, and the redefinition of perception.
5. Ékùmékù – Captures the spirit of the Ekumeku resistance movement against British colonial rule, featuring King Nwoko of Idumuje-Ugboko standing firm in cultural pride and ancestral defiance.
6. Adịm Anọ – A tender reflection on childhood and kinship, this piece honors the artist’s bond with her three brothers. “Adịm Anọ” (I Am Four) celebrates familial love, shared memory, and emotional grounding beneath the moonlight.” Pamela disclosed in a statement at the weekend.
In his remarks, Nnanugo Awolo, National Executive Secretary of Idumuje-ugboko Development Union (IUDU), congratulated Artist Pamela on her milestone, acknowledging her contribution to promoting cultural heritage and identity through her work.
Through her art, Pamela seeks to honour her heritage and ensure that the rich cultural history of the Igbo and Anioma people continues to inspire and guide future generations. The Akwáọcha series is a testament to the power of art in preserving heritage, healing communities, and celebrating African culture.
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