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“Anya-Anwu (Enlightenment)”
The words Ányá (Eye)’ + Ánwụ́ (Sun/Light) when combined reads as “eye of light.” Anya-Anwu was a deity believed by the Nri people to be the symbol of human perfection that all must seek through an understanding of ‘self’. The Nri people sought to reach this level of self-perfection through spiritual practices such as ‘Star Gazing’ (now known as Astrology), Chanting, and continuous sitting in silence (now known as Meditation).
The Nri kingdom was a major Igbo civilization in south-eastern Nigeria which dates back to the 9th century. It influenced the spiritual and ritual traditions of many Igbo and neighboring groups. The pre-colonial ontology of the Nri people is very similar to modern concepts on ‘spiritual enlightenment’ posited by the west and ‘spiritual awakening’ in the eastern Buddhist philosophies. Spiritual enlightenment is waking up to who we are and why we are here. Being conscious of our true self and nature. This concept transcends religion, culture, gender or politics. Its only source being that of truth.
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This piece is an iconographic representation of Anya-Anwu. It reveals a deity with a halo of sun rays and the symbol of the all-seeing eye above its heart. Anya-Anwu is evidence that pre-euronized Igbos had an evolved understanding of the concept of self-realization.
The Nri people understood that without the Sun there’d be no light/life on our planet. Anya-Anwu reminds us to find the light in ourselves; for without looking inward to attain enlightenment, we’ll continue to live in perpetual darkness about who we are and why we are here.
Source:Smo Contemporary Art
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