Mbari is a traditional art form of the Owerri-Igbo, created as a communal expression of reverence and creativity. Selected artists dedicated themselves to building an art house in honor of Ala, the earth goddess. Inside, they filled the space with intricate sculptures, wall paintings, and crafted objects celebrating both Ala and the secondary gods. The process was painstaking and could take years, but the result was more than a structure—it was a living testament to art, spirituality, and community.
"Mbari was a celebration through art of the world and of life lived."
— Chinua Achebe
Founded in 1961, the Mbari Club in Ibadan became a landmark space for artistic and intellectual expression in post-independence Nigeria. Conceived as a hub of creativity, it attracted writers, musicians, and thinkers who shared a spirit of optimism about the country’s future. Among its members were Chinua Achebe—who gave the club its name—Wole Soyinka, Christopher Okigbo, and Lindsey Barrett. The club hosted art exhibitions, music, theatre, and maintained a library, embodying the vibrant cultural energy of the era.The magazine published the early works of artists that we recognize as giants of African literature. The magazine and the club fell apart during the Nigerian Civil War.
Rooted in the Igbo tradition of Mbari—creation, artistry, and community—Mbari, the Story Place is a digital home for creativity. It provides a space where artists and storytellers can share their work, connect, and collaborate. Just as the original Mbari houses and the Ibadan Mbari Club celebrated life through art, this online space continues that legacy, offering a community dedicated to honoring creativity and expression.
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