One of Egonu’s most celebrated series of etchings, Once Upon a Time in Ibo-land was created as a tribute to his Nigerian homeland, this series reflects his deep connection to the oral traditions of Igbo culture. Through the five etchings in this series, Egonu conjured up images from his childhood, reinterpreting the folk tales of Ibo-land. Animals like the tortoise—a central figure in many Igbo stories—emerged in his
compositions, which combined elements of nostalgia with the elegance of his new stylistic fluidity.
These etchings capture both the enchanting beauty of his home culture and his desire to preserve its narratives, blending the past with the present in a timeless homage.