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| The OMU AROCHUKWU |
Another notable ethnic group in Nigeria are the Igbos.The Igbos have a unique culture. There are three account on the origin of the Igbo people and tribe.
The Igbo are the second largest group of people living in southern
Nigeria. They are one of the three major tribes in Nigeria. They consist
of many subgroups and are known to be socially and culturally diverse.
Although Igbos are mostly Christians today, they have a deep and
original culture.Igbo culture includes the various customs, practices and traditions of the people. It comprises ancient practices as well as modern concepts added into the Igbo culture either through evolution or outside influences.
HISTORY
The
first version says the Igbos migrated from the Middle East to
their present location. The second version says they have been in
their present location in eastern Nigeria
from time immemorial. The third version says they descended from the
sky.The language of the Igbos belongs to the Niger-Congo family.
The Igbo people thrived in the Igbo-Ukwu art culture while they
cherished Arochukwu in the spiritual realm. You need to know
that birth, marriage and burial are considered the three most
important family events.
MARRIAGE
Igbo
traditional marriage, known as igbankwu is not just an affair
between the future husband and wife, it involves parents, the
extended family and the whole village. The would-be grooms parent
will bring palm wine and kolanuts to the bride’s family and
other items such as goats, chickens etc. as requested by the
family. We wish to state that the wedding ceremony varies from
village to village. Birth is also celebrated among the Igbos but
the naming ceremony is usually performed on the 28th day.
DEATH
Many
customs surround the burial rites such as paying last respect to
the dead, singing traditional ballads and traditional dances,
acrobatic displays by masquerades, etc.
ART
The
village of Igbo-Ukwu is the harbinger of the oldest known
sculpture from Igboland. In that village (Igbo-Ukwu), there was an
excavation of the grave of a man of some importance and wealth
dating back to the 9th Century which produced some of the earliest
bronze castings, glass beads, bowls and ornaments.
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| MAP OF IGO LAND SOUTH EAST NIGERIA |
The
objects found at Igbo-Ukwu are also for ritual as well as secular
purposes.The objects found at this site were a large collection of
objects and regalia mostly made through the “lost wax” technique
and others made through smiting and casting method. In terms
of style, the artifacts found at Igbo-Ukwu are not similar to the
Bini, Ife or any other Nigerian arts; they are originally local in
shape and content. The findings at this site indicate a very
well developed economy with surplus to engage in artistic
production. The Igbo political system is a segmentary system of
governance where you have hierarchy of power from the family to the
age group and to special titles. This power is often distributed
among the following title holders: Ozo, Ichie, Mazi, Ozioko, Nze,
Diokpa, Isi, Okpara, Ezeji and a few others.
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| The igbo ukwu rope pot |
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