The Mbari houses were traditional Igbo architectural structures built as offerings to gods, particularly in times of hardship or to thank the deities for blessings. These elaborate clay structures, often created in honor of Ala, the earth goddess, featured detailed sculptures of gods, ancestors, animals, and other important figures in Igbo cosmology.
However, the Mbari houses gradually became extinct due to a combination of factors. With the arrival of Christianity and colonialism, many traditional beliefs and practices were suppressed. As Western religion and education spread, the focus shifted away from the worship of deities in the form of physical structures. Additionally, the destruction of sacred sites during conflicts, such as the Biafran War, and the changes in social and cultural practices led to the abandonment of Mbari houses. Over time, their cultural significance diminished, and they were largely replaced by modern forms of worship and expression.
Today, only a few Mbari houses remain, mostly preserved as historical artifacts, serving as important reminders of the Igbo people's spiritual and cultural heritage.
