The Igbo culture has a unique blend of traditional customs, beliefs, and practices passed down from generation to generation. The Igbo people are a vibrant and richly diverse cultural group indigenous to southeastern Nigeria.
From their elaborate traditional attire to their rich musical heritage. They are renowned for their strong sense of community and love for festivals and celebrations. The Igbo people are also known for their deep spiritual beliefs.
This article explores the vibrant world of Igbo culture and tradition, we looked into the history, customs, and beliefs.
Igbo Culture And Tradition
Origin Of The Igbo
The origin of the Igbo people is dated back to the patriarchal Eri. It is believed that the Igbo people descended from Eri, a divine figure who according to folklore, was sent from heaven to begin civilization. Eri was the son of Gad and Gad was one of the sons of Jacob from his concubine, as mentioned in the Bible. Source
Eri’s influence led to the establishment of the Umuleri, Aguleri, and Nri kingdoms in the South Eastern Region of present-day Nigeria.
However, the Atlantic slave trade, which took place from the 16th to the 19th centuries, significantly impacted the Nri Kingdom and its decline. The vast majority of enslaved Africans transported to the New World were West Africans, including numerous Igbos.
It is estimated that about 12 million Africans were shipped across the Atlantic by various European countries, including Portugal, Britain, France, Spain, the Dutch Empire, and the United States.
The British colonization of various African kingdoms, including the Igbo kingdom of Nri, in 1914 further impacted the Igbo people and their cultural heritage. The Nri kingdom was amalgamated into modern-day Nigeria.
The present-day Igboland covers the geographical area of the southeastern states of Nigeria, including Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.
There are also settlements of Igbo communities in Rivers, Delta, and traces of the Igbo language in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, and Cross Rivers States.
Igbo Oracles
The Igbo people of Nigeria have a rich cultural tradition that includes the use of oracles. Oracles are intermediaries between the spiritual world and the physical world. The Igbo people seek guidance and divination on important matters such as health, family, and personal finances.
The most well-known type of Igbo oracle is the “dibia,” which acts as a mediator between the people and the gods. The dibia have access to spiritual knowledge and the ability to communicate with the gods.
Individuals, families, or communities facing difficult decisions or problems seek the Igbo oracles. To communicate the gods’ messages, the oracle may perform divination rituals using objects such as cowrie shells, bird feathers, or sacred stones.
Igbo Traditional Attire
The modern Igbo traditional attire showcases the cultural richness and heritage of the region’s people. Men wear the Ishiagu top, which can be patterned with lion head embroidery or be plain, usually in black.
The top is paired with trousers and can be accessorized with either a fez named okpu agu or agwu or a traditional Igbo-stripped men’s hat.
On the other hand, women adorn an embodied puffed sleeve blouse influenced by European attire and wrap two wrappers. They complete their attire with a head scarf.
Traditional attire is a significant part of the cultural identity of the Igbo people. People wear this attire on special occasions like weddings, festivals, and other cultural events.
The intricate embroidery, unique designs, and the blend of European and indigenous influences make the Igbo traditional attire a beautiful representation of the people’s rich cultural heritage.
Igbo Art
Igbo art is renowned for its diverse forms of masquerade, masks, and costumes that embody human, animal, and abstract concepts. The intricate designs and elaborate details of these pieces showcase the talent and creativity of Igbo artists.
In addition to masquerade, Igbo art also encompasses bronze castings, with the town of Igbo Ukwu being particularly famous for its 9th-century bronze artefacts.
These ancient pieces are a testament to the rich history of Igbo art and demonstrate the skill and mastery of the Igbo people in metalworking.
Igbo art is essential to Igbo culture, and its vibrant visual style has been embraced and celebrated for centuries.
From the 9th-century bronze castings found at Igbo Ukwu to the elaborate masquerade costumes and masks, Igbo art continues to be a source of inspiration and admiration for people worldwide.
Igbo Religion
Odinani, the ancient Igbo religion, has a rich and diverse belief system that has sustained the Igbo people for centuries. The core of their belief system is worshipping the supreme deity, Chukwu, who is responsible for the creation of the world and everything in it.
Chukwu is a solar deity. It is the highest level of divine beings. Underneath Chukwu are lesser gods, known as “Umuagbara,” who people worshipped and believed to have a significant impact on the people’s daily lives.
The Igbos also believe in “Ndi Ichie,” the spirits of dead people, who they believe can influence the living. Reincarnation is an important aspect of Igbo religion, and the Ibos believe that their souls are reincarnated into different forms after death.
This belief system has led to great respect for the dead, and elaborate funeral ceremonies are held to honor the departed.
In each village, some priests and priestesses are responsible for all spiritual matters and conduct ceremonies and rituals. They also play the role of diviners, attempting to predict the future and offering guidance on important life decisions.
Igbo Festivals
The Igbo people of Nigeria have a rich cultural heritage reflected in their various festivals. These festivals serve as a means of preserving their traditions and customs. Some of the most significant Igbo festivals include:
- New Yam Festival (Iri Ji): The New Yam Festival is celebrated at the end of the rainy season. The festival symbolizes prosperity and good health. The consumption of new yams, dancing, and feasting marks the festival.
- Ofala Festival: The Ofala Festival is celebrated by the people of Onitsha and is dedicated to their king. Traditional dances, music, and the display of cultural artefacts mark the festival.
- Mmanwu Festival: The Mmanwu Festival is a masquerade festival that the Igbo people celebrate. The display of colourful masks and costumes, music, and dancing marks the festival.
- Igue Festival: The Igue Festival is celebrated in December and is dedicated to the worship of ancestral spirits. Offerings, prayers, and sacrifices mark the festival.
- Odo Festival: The Odo Festival is a thanksgiving festival celebrated by the people of Owerri. The display of cultural artefacts, traditional dances, and feasting marks the festival.
Igbo Language
Igbo is a native language spoken by the Igbo people of Nigeria. Over 18 million people speak it in Nigeria. It is also one of the four major languages of the country.
Igbo dialects, including Onitsha, Owerri, and Nsukka, vary in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. However, a standardized form of the language known as “Standard Igbo” is used in education and media.
The Igbo language has a rich literary tradition and has produced a significant amount of poetry, proverbs, and folktales. The language is known for its abundant oral tradition and frequent use of idioms and proverbs in everyday conversations.
The European language has influenced the Igbo language and has adopted many loanwords from English and other European languages.
In recent years, there has been a push to preserve the language. The establishment of language schools and the development of textbooks and other educational materials aim to promote its use.
