Ancient Connections: 1 Enoch, Timbuktu Manuscript & Nri Rituals

This post explores parallels between the Book of 1 Enoch, the 14th-century Timbuktu MS 3421, the 9th-century Igbo Ukwu finds and modern Nri coronation rites. It highlights shared motifs in materials, divine beings and flood narratives. For example, 1 Enoch 8:1 mentions antimony eye-paint. The Timbuktu manuscript echoes that passage in Arabic. Archaeologists found antimony pots at Igbo Ukwu around 900 AD. Today, Eze Nri still uses antimony, uri and edo in coronation ceremonies. The descent of the Watchers on Mount Hermon in Enoch resembles an Nri song about visitors on Chukwu’s Hill. The flood in Enoch 10 parallels a flood in Nri tradition. Semjaza’s teachings on root cutting match the role of an Agbala Dibia. This study uses published sources and does not claim direct lineage or borrowing. Full research paper available on request.

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