14/07/13

Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

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Countries and Their Cultures Mauritania to Nigeria Igbo

Igbo
PRONUNCIATION: EE-bo ALTERNATE NAMES: Ibo LOCATION: Southern Nigeria (Igboland) POPULATION: 5.5 million LANGUAGE: Igbo (Kwa subfamily of the Niger-Congo language family) RELIGION: Tribal religion

1 INTRODUCTION
The Igbo are the second largest group of people living in southern Nigeria. They are socially and culturally diverse, consisting of many subgroups. Although they live in scattered groups of villages, they all speak one language. The Igbo have no common traditional story of their origins. Historians have proposed two major theories of Igbo origins. One claims the existence of a core area, or "nuclear Igboland." The other claims that the Igbo are descended from waves of immigrants from the north and the west who arrived in the fourteenth or fifteenth century. Three of these are the Nri, Nzam, and Anam. European contact with the Igbo began with the arrival of the Portuguese in the midfifteenth century. At first the Europeans confined themselves to slave trade on the Niger Coast. At this point, the main item of commerce provided by the Igbo was slaves, many of whom were sent to the New World. After the abolition of the slave trade in 1807, British companies pushed beyond the coastal areas and aggressively pursued control of the interior. The Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, created in 1900, included Igboland. Until 1960, Nigeria remained a British colony, and the Igbo were British subjects. On October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation structured as a federation of states.

2 LOCATION
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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

Igboland is located in southeastern Nigeria, with a total land area of about 15,800 square miles (about 41,000 square kilometers). The Igbo country has four distinct areas. The low-lying deltas and riberbank areas are heavily inundated during the rainy season, and are very fertile. The central belt is a rather high plain. The Udi highlands are the only coal-mining area in West Africa. It is difficult to obtain accurate census figures for either the Igbo or for Nigeria as a whole. The Igbo population is estimated to be between 5 and 6 million.

3 LANGUAGE
The Igbo language belongs to the Niger-Congo language family. It is part of the Kwa subfamily. A complicated system of high and low tones indicates differences in meaning and grammatical relationships. There are a wide range of dialects.

Here are a few Igbo expressions: English Igbo

Hello, how are you? Keku ka imelo? What is your name? Kedu ahagi? Thank you Ndewo

4 FOLKLORE
The Igbo have a system of folk beliefs that explains how everything in the world came into being. It explains what functions the heavenly and earthly bodies have and offers guidance on how to behave toward gods, spirits, and one's ancestors. The Igbo believe the world is peopled by invisible and visible forces: by the living, the dead, and those yet to be born. Reincarnation is seen as a bridge between the living and the dead.

5 RELIGION
The major beliefs of the Igbo religion are shared by all Igbo-speaking people. However, many of its practices are locally organized, with the most effective unit of religious worship being the extended family. Periodic rituals and ceremonies may activate the lineage (larger kinship unit) or the village, which is the widest political community. The Igbo believe in a supreme god who keeps watch over his creatures from a distance.
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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

He seldom interferes in the affairs of human beings. No sacrifices are made directly to him. However, he is seen as the ultimate receiver of sacrifices made to the minor gods. To distinguish him from the minor gods he is called Chukwuthe great or the high god. As the creator of everything, he is called Chukwu Abiama. There are also minor gods, who are generally subject to human passions and weaknesses. They may be kind, hospitable, and industrious; at other times they are treacherous, unmerciful, and envious. These minor gods include Ala, the earth goddess. She is associated with fertility, both of human beings and of the land. Anyanwu is the sun god who makes crops and trees grow. Igwe is the sky god, the source of rain. In addition to their gods, the Igbo believe in a variety of spirits whose good will depends on treating them well. Forests and rivers at the edge of cultivated land are said to be occupied by these spirits. Mbataku and Agwo are spirits of wealth. Others include Aha njoku (the yam spirit) and Ikoro (the drum spirit). The Igbo attitude toward their deities and spirits is not one of fear but one of friendship.

6 MAJOR HOLIDAYS
The Igbo celebrate the major national holidays of Nigeria, including New Year's Day (January 1), Easter (March or April), Nigerian Independence Day (October 1), and Christmas (December 24 to 26). In addition, each town has its own local festivals. Those in the spring or summer are held to welcome the new agricultural cycle. In the fall, harvest festivals are held to mark the end of the cycle.

7 RITES OF PASSAGE
Circumcision takes place about eight days after the birth of a boy. At this time the umbilical cord is buried at the foot of a tree selected by the child's mother. The name-giving ceremony is a formal occasion celebrated by feasting and drinking. A wide variety of names may be chosen. The name may be based on anything from the child's birthmarks to the opinion of the diviner, or seer. The name Nwanyimeole "What can a woman do?"means that a father desires a male child. Onwubiko "May death forgive"expresses the fact that parents have lost many of their children and pray that this child may survive. The process of marrying a young Igbo woman is a long, elaborate one. It is rarely accomplished in less than a year and often takes several years. The process falls into
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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

four stages: asking the young woman's consent, negotiating through a middleman, testing the bride's character, and paying the bride wealth, a kind of dowry. Death in old age is accepted as a blessing. After death, the body is clothed in the person's finest garments. The corpse is placed on a stool in a sitting posture. Old friends and relatives visit and pay their last respects. Young men wrap the corpse in grass mats, carry it out to the burial ground, and bury it. When the head of a family dies, he is buried beneath the floor of his house. Burial generally follows within twenty-four hours of death.

8 RELATIONSHIPS
Two criteria shape interpersonal relations: age and gender. Respect is given to males, and to older persons. Children are always required to offer the first greeting to their elders. Social status is based on wealth, regardless of occupation. The Igbo distinguish between obgenye or mbi (the poor), dinkpa (the moderately prosperous), and nnukwu madu or ogaranya (the rich).

9 LIVING CONDITIONS
Village life has changed considerably since the discovery of oil in Nigeria. Houses, which used to have mud walls and thatched roofs, are now constructed of cement blocks with corrugated iron roofs. Electricity has been introduced; television sets and radios are now commonplace. Villages have running water, although it is not connected to every house.

10 FAMILY LIFE
Under the practice of polygyny, many Igbo men have more than one wife. A successful man marries as many wives as he can support. This involves providing farm plots to help the women and their dependents make a living. The polygynous family is made up of a man and his wives and all their children. Beyond that unit is the extended family, consisting of all the sons in a family and their parents, wives, and unmarried daughters. The extended family may have anywhere from five to thirty members. Ideally, all of the members of the extended family live in one large compound. The Igbo family has changed in recent years. Christian marriage and civil marriage are important innovations. Among Igbo professional people, the trend is toward the nuclear family with its own residence.

11 CLOTHING
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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

The everyday clothing in urban areas is not different from that of Westerners. Traditional clothing is still worn on important occasions in the cities and every day in rural areas. For everyday wear men wear a cotton wrap (robe), a shirt, and sandals. For formal occasions they wear a long shirt, often decorated with tucks and embroidery, over a dressy wrap, shoes, and a hat. Women wear wraps for both informal and formal occasions. The everyday wrapper is made from inexpensive cotton, dyed locally. For formal wear, the wrapper is either woven or batikdyed, and often imported. The blouse for formal wear is made of lace or embroidered. Women also wear a head tie, a rectangular piece of cloth that can be worn a number of different ways. The Igbo traditional dress is a danshiki , a long, loose-fitting top. Formerly Igbo women added pieces of cloth to show their marital status and number of children.

12 FOOD
The yam is the staple food of the Igbo. Traditionally, the yam was the food of choice for ceremonial occasions. Nowadays it has been replaced by rice. Other starchy foods include cassava, taro root, maize and plantains. A typical meal includes a starch and a soup or stew, prepared with a vegetable to which pieces of fish, chicken, beef, or goat meat are added. Jollof rice of various types is popular throughout Nigeria. Among the Igbo who live near waterways it is often prepared with shrimp. The following recipe is very popular.

13 EDUCATION
Since gaining independence from Britain in 1960, Nigeria has set a priority on education. Universal primary education is the norm in southern Nigeria, where the Igbo live. Secondary education has also developed rapidly.

14 CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Igbo have number of wind and stringed musical instruments. The ugene is a whistle made of baked clay, round in form, and about the size of a billiard ball. Probably the most interesting of the Igbo instruments is the ubaw-akwala, a sort of guitar. It has a triangular body formed by three pieces of soft wood sewn together. It is played by strolling singers in the evenings. Igbo singers improvise as the song proceeds and show great skill in fitting words to the song's rhythm and tune.

Recipe
Shrimp Jollof Rice
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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

Ingredients 1 pound of shrimp, cooked, shelled, and deveined 2 or 3 fresh tomatoes, or 1 8-ounce can whole tomatoes 1 can tomato paste 1 onion, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped teaspoon red pepper flakes teaspoon ground black pepper 3 Tablespoons peanut oil 1 cup white rice cooked in chicken broth according to directions on the package Directions 1. Heat the peanut oil in a large kettle. 2. Add the tomato, peppers, onion, and cook for about 3 minutes until the onions and peppers are softened. 3. Add the tomato paste, about 2 cups of water, and the red pepper flakes and black pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes. 4. While this is simmering, cook the rice in another pot according to package directions. 5. Add the shrimp and simmer about 5 minutes longer. 6. Combine the shrimp sauce with the rice, and pour mixture into an ovenproof dish and cover. 7. Place in an oven set at 250 F . Bake until the liquid is absorbed completely. 8. Stir to loosen the rice grains and serve. The flavors improve if this dish is made several hours in advance and allowed to rest in the oven with the door ajar. Dancing is a great Igbo pastime, practiced by everybody. There are special dances for boys, girls, men, women, and mixed groups. Group dancing is associated with religious observances and festivals.

15 EMPLOYMENT
The traditional Igbo economy depends on root-crop farming. Yams, cassava and taro are the chief root crops. There is a division of labor according to gender. Men clear the bush and plant the yams with the help of the women and the children. Following the planting of yams, plots are allocated to the women individually. Each woman plants other crops in the spaces between the yams and also on the slopes of hills.
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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

Trading is an old occupation among the Igbo. The marketplace has become an important source of livelihood. An increasing number of Igbo are now engaged in wage labor. Growing cities, expanding road construction, new industries, and oil exploration are creating many job opportunities.

16 SPORTS
Wrestling is the most popular sport among boys and young men, with great annual contests in every part of Igbo country. The other popular sport is soccer. Traditionally played only by boys, it has been introduced to girls through the school system.

17 RECREATION
Traditional entertainment includes storytelling, rituals, dancing, and music making. Modern forms of entertainment include watching television and going to movies and discos. Most households own radios, and there are several television sets in each village. The Igbo enjoy games, including card games and checkers. Among the younger people American youth culture is popular. Most enjoy listening to rap and rock music.

18 CRAFTS AND HOBBIES

The Igbo practice a number of crafts, some performed by men only and some by women. Carving is a skilled occupation practiced only by men. They produce doors and panels for houses, as well as stools, dancing masks, and boxes. Another valued craft is that of the blacksmith. Women's crafts include pottery making, spinning, weaving, basketry, and grass plaiting.

19 SOCIAL PROBLEMS
The Igbo have been seriously affected by national problems ranging from civil war to military coups. The crime rate in Nigeria is high. The problem is worst in larger urban centers, but rural areas are also affected. The crime wave was aggravated by the worsening economic conditions of the 1980s. Drug-related crime emerged as a major problem. Igboland has so far escaped the worst of this, although marijuana use among young people has been reported.

20 BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New York: Knopf, 1995. Njoku, John E. Eberegbulam. The Igbos of Nigeria: Ancient Rites, Changes, and Survival. Lewiston, N.Y.: E. Mellen Press, 1990. Ogbaa, Kalu. Igbo . Heritage Library of African Peoples. New York: Rosen Publishing Group, 1995.

WEBSITE
Igbo Homepage. [Online] Available http://www.lioness.cm.utexas.edu/igbo , 1998. PrimaNet Communications. TheVirtual Igbo Homesites. [Online] Available http://www.igbo.com , 1998. World Travel Guide. [Online] Available http://www.wtgonline.com/country/ng/gen.html , 1998.

User Contributions:
1

Jann

N ov 1, 2006 @ 7:07 am

I really like this site for it is very educational. Please send me more information regarding the Igbo peole.
2

jazzy f baby

M ar 16, 2007 @ 12:12 pm

igbo is very cool and iterresting and i like it a lott and we are readfing a book with igbo people and i think its very cool and i like what my class is reading about and my teacher is reading a book to our humaniteis class
3

emmanuella chinda

A pr 18, 2007 @ 7:07 am

The name (igbo)ibo has suffer so many setback in the (yester-years)recent years...The name has become a political party instead of a social cultural entity where any igbo (ethnic clans) component will decide to separate from his people and no igbo clan has done anything about that.I therefore urge the ohaneze to organise a sovereign national igbo conference in portharcourt(ikwerre)because igbo need to have an authentic map of igboland.
4

emmanuella chinda

A pr 18, 2007 @ 7:07 am

www.everyculture.com/wc/Mauritania-to-Nigeria/Igbo.html

The name (igbo)ibo has suffer so many setback in the (yester-years)recent years...The name has become a political party instead of a social cultural entity where any igbo (ethnic clans) component will decide to separate from his people and no igbo clan has done anything about that.I therefore urge the ohaneze to organise a sovereign national igbo conference in portharcourt(ikwerre)because igbo need to have an authentic map of igboland. Today the ijaw back by FG are erroneously claiming Ndoki,opobo, ikwerre and etche etc...The igbos must stop ijaw madness.

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etc...The igbos must stop ijaw madness.

5

Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

Sipho

Jul 25, 2007 @ 12:12 pm

I am South African and I find this culture interesting it is my dream to come and visit the igbo peolpe one day. they are confident from a film point of view and very interesting i love this culture and Nigeria as a country.
6

Opara Chinedu

A ug 27, 2007 @ 2:02 am

I really enjoyed this write up, please try as much as possible to let the Ikwerre Igbos return back to their Igbo nation so as to not to play second fiddle in the Nigeria politics and Rivers State in particular.Without them (Ikwerres) going back to their brothers,the ijaws will continue to suppress and oppresse them.
7

Ijeoma

S ep 8, 2007 @ 1:13 pm

This site is reliable and up to date. Its better than the other sites that make up stuff and post it. I know this because I am Igbo, and this site is correct
8

Ruth

S ep 16, 2007 @ 1:01 am

Well I am an African American married to an Igbo guy Im trying to learn all that I can about his Culture because he does not explain to me neither discuss with me about how things are carried out in his tribe. All and any information that is sent to me will be grateful appreciated by all means thank you.
9

kelsey peeples

N ov 8, 2007 @ 7:19 pm

hey yall. i think that you need to add more things abput their customs. i am doing a school project and i got nothing about their customs. it would help me alot more if you did. thanks! ~kelsey peeples~
10

Tina Rae

M ar 13, 2008 @ 8:08 am

OMG... this is awsome.. we are learning about this in school, and i think that it is a very interesting culture to learn about.
11

francisca

M ay 5, 2008 @ 7:19 pm

wow this is a very good site i think u guys are doing a great job wit dis site
12

sandra

Jul 11, 2008 @ 4:16 pm

my parents are igbo i am proud of my heritage i wouldnt change it for anything, according to me the igbo are the best in nigeria
13

Kayy

S ep 24, 2008 @ 4:04 am

Hiya.. this information is really helpful for a school project. Could you put up or send me some more information regarding the village life and family structure from the 19th century? Thanks.
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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

Mohammed

N ov 2, 2008 @ 4:04 am

Nice job I think it had many information and it helped me in doing my h.w because we are tocking in class about IBO/IGBO Think Y OU
15

Rowanne Hill

M ar 6, 2009 @ 11:11 am

hey, i love the site. it'z really good for my skool prodjects to help get info on what i am searching for. and this iz what i need for my prodject. vary educated site. (sorry for my miss spelled wordz and not proper grammer.)
16

Aderonke

M ar 17, 2009 @ 4:16 pm

waow, i really like this site. is it possible to get mpre information about the igbo dressing because im doing about them for a college project and i need as amny information as possible. Again thanks for the post, it was of great help ...
17

darlinlauren

M ar 26, 2009 @ 9:21 pm

hey, wow this is a cool site. its really helping with my report. thank you to whoever put this site together!!
18

Terry

Jul 27, 2009 @ 6:06 am

hey, thanx a lot for coming up with this site, it helped me a lot in my research.keep it up!
19

miminka85

S ep 20, 2009 @ 5:17 pm

Hello,My name is Mimi,i have Nigerian boyfriend (igbo) and i would to know more about his culture and to learn ibo language.This site is very interesting!
20

elsa shelton

S ep 21, 2009 @ 11:11 am

hey lol this is definitely the best site regarding the Igbo Culture that ive seen yet. im doing a huge essay on this culture for school & this site has been extremely helpful! Thanks a zillion!!
21

Kas

O ct 23, 2009 @ 3:03 am

Hello, This is a great and very informative site ! I am wondering, do you know where I can find a good Igbo online Dictionary? I have done some searches, but there does not seem to be anything good out there. Thank-you, Kas
22

Chukwuma JohnMary

O ct 28, 2009 @ 4:04 am

As an african (Igbo) philosopher, I find this article to be educative & an eye opener to
www.everyculture.com/wc/Mauritania-to-Nigeria/Igbo.html

what Igbo culture is all about. I hereby recommend it to any body who wishes to find

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what Igbo culture is all about. I hereby recommend it to any body who wishes to find a good meaning & what it takes to be an Igbo. Let us come together to uphold our God giving culture. It shall surely be well with us. Nd gbo, ga - adiri anyi n'ile mma. Ekele m n.
23

Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

ijeoma

N ov 2, 2009 @ 7:07 am

i am malay n living in malaysia...am pure malay but married with igbo guy here in malaysia.i want to knw abt igbo n them food also.pls if some one can teach me or like to contact me that is my pleasure...ijeoma_cyril@yahoo.com.my
24

Rob

N ov 30, 2009 @ 1:13 pm

Hi, great site. I was wondering if you could send me some info on the roles of the women and children in late 19th Century Igbo culture and life. Cheers, great site.
25

izuu

Dec 15, 2009 @ 1:13 pm

This is a very educative site.but i would love to know more of the real igbo land map,their borders and terrotries.their infastructure from 19th century till now in pictures.
26

Nunya

Jan 16, 2010 @ 9:09 am

This is a very good site. I reccomend to spread it all over and learn about the Ibo culture. I am reading Things Fall Apart so this will help, thanks.
27

Eze Kalu Imo

F eb 26, 2010 @ 11:23 pm

Please correct: Hello how are you? 'kedu ka imelu' or 'kedu ka imere' What is your name? 'kedu aha gi' or 'ke aha gi' these depend on the dialect
28

AMMA

F eb 28, 2010 @ 1:13 pm

Do you have any info on the Apatapa shrine?, origin, pantheon, taboos, likes and dislikes etc.
29

Iris

A pr 14, 2010 @ 9:09 am

Can someone tell me about the traditional Igbo dances and how they work? I am doing some social studies project about African tribes.
30

Mae

M ay 24, 2010 @ 5:05 am

Hello, I'm a malaysian chinese, in Malaysia and I have made some nice friends with few Y oruba men and also few Igbo men. However, they have initiated wanting to start relationship with me, as for now I am putting any advances on hold because I am rather concern and skeptical here , as i have read about the 419ers and scams and criminal activities involvement and etc. I realized that all of them are very private people, and its really hard to identify if any of them are actually serious and genuinely a good honest man. It will be good to learn of some credible information on the differences between Y oruba men and Igbo men. Secondly, will be nice to know if being with one is good or bad experience.
31

Chinomso Odimegwu

Jul 21, 2010 @ 9:21 pm

www.everyculture.com/wc/Mauritania-to-Nigeria/Igbo.html

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Chinomso Odimegwu

Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions
Jul 21, 2010 @ 9:21 pm

I too am igbo. I am a natural born igbo. the only thing I would change is: ellaborate more on the nigerian clothing. There are other names for them, other than danshiki, women's dress. Btw, great job to ever put this together.
32

Anya'Luz

A ug 22, 2010 @ 1:01 am

Very informative. Extremely interesting. Thank you!

33

SAM

O ct 15, 2010 @ 11:11 am

This website helped SO much with my S.S. project! Thanks!

34

joy daniel

O ct 27, 2010 @ 6:06 am

SO DOES THIS MEANS THAT THE IGBOS DID NOT ORIGINATE FROM SOMEWHERE? COS I REALLY WAT TO KNOW THE ORIGIN OF MAN OF THE IGBOS.
35

lala

N ov 14, 2010 @ 6:18 pm

im doing a skool projsct on the ibo tribe, and i need more info on their social structure pliz!!!THANKY OU very mucho
36

ginger

N ov 29, 2010 @ 3:03 am

This site is very intresting,I am dating a guy from igbo and i would like to know more about thier tribe, i love him very much and i want to knpw how they live and learn igbo language so that i can suprise him one day tell him how much i love him in his language.
37

Theo

Dec 6, 2010 @ 7:07 am

I am coming up with a website for people like ginger. It will address complete Ibo grammar, culture and the way of the people. It is not an easy job, but I'm on it. I will soon publish it and make corrections and updates as we go by.
38

Laura

F eb 1, 2011 @ 12:12 pm

This has been really helpful, currently studying things fall apart by Chinua Achebe, so doing a presentation on the Ibo life to help get our context of the place and people. thankyou
39

miriam

M ar 13, 2011 @ 8:08 am

what about traditional festival's their history, importance, purposes, when it is celebrated who attends
40

Randi

M ar 17, 2011 @ 7:19 pm

Does anyone know where I can find some traditional Igbo music to download? I need it for a project...
41

balogun

M ar 21, 2011 @ 5:05 am

www.everyculture.com/wc/Mauritania-to-Nigeria/Igbo.html

this publication is cool... i luv it... pls can i get a day-to-day update on all the tribes in

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this publication is cool... i luv it... pls can i get a day-to-day update on all the tribes in Nigeria...
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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

Obinna Chibuike James

A pr 27, 2011 @ 6:06 am

hey this is really a great work you have done.i really do not have much to say but just to tell you well done.and GOD bless you.
43

Joe

M ay 11, 2011 @ 9:09 am

This website is very helpful. I'm using this information to help assist my English paper that's due very soon.
44

Aramintas Couto

M ay 22, 2011 @ 11:23 pm

I am originally from Brazil and recently I read the book entitled "Things for Apart" from Chinua Achebe for a Liberal Arts class. Right now I am doing further research to write a paper on the connection between the Nigerian Igbo and the Brazilian culture. Brazil is a very diverse country but African culture has a very strong presence in the northestern states of Brazil and more specifically in Bahia. I have learned that a large number of africans brought to Brazil by the Portuguese in midfifteenth century came from southern Nigeria. I am astonished to find out that we have more in common than I ever imagined. I am thankful for the cultural contribution the Igbo people gave to the formation of my country and I am also thankful for the contribution you have given to my work.
45

Brent

M ay 25, 2011 @ 3:15 pm

Great job very helpful with my English paper comparing tribes, somehow this has something to do with lord of the flies, lol
46

john onyianta

Jun 4, 2011 @ 5:17 pm

Truely, a good job. It really helped me in my GSP 202 TERM PAPER work
47

Okoye Kezie

Jul 1, 2011 @ 11:11 am

Please give me one of the Igbo cultural dance in details

48

Joanna

Jul 17, 2011 @ 5:05 am

I would really appreciate if I could have recipes on how to cook Igbo food for my husband. I have learned abit but would like more. I enjoyed the article and thank you for this.
49

inadou

A ug 10, 2011 @ 5:05 am

i love this site. Pls up load more of such articles, which should be centered on igbo recipes, such as'African Salad'.
50

Chukwudi ekeji

A ug 15, 2011 @ 9:09 am

This site is very interesting and educating, it has make me know more about the igbo's culture, language e.t.c
51

anayo
www.everyculture.com/wc/Mauritania-to-Nigeria/Igbo.html

A ug 26, 2011 @ 4:04 am

i am pleased with the write up but am concerned with the pronounciation of IGBO

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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

i am pleased with the write up but am concerned with the pronounciation of IGBO which you gave as ee-bo. we are not eebo but igbo. gb is pronounced using the lips anth the tongue touching the upper pallet as the lips closes in oval shape.
52

Chuka

A ug 30, 2011 @ 11:11 am

Y es!!! Proud to be Igbo are you?? There's an international body that encompasses every Igbo organisation in the world... (Ohanaeze Ndigbo) To join this group, go to: facebook and join (Ohanaeze Ndigbo) group
53

obinwanne

S ep 4, 2011 @ 4:04 am

Lets do something about our ancient history of origin even if it's by employing scientific methods in locating the gaps and crossing the bridges. This is important. If we actually have brothers across the borders or from foreign lands just as we say locally that "there are relations abroad" i.e "nwenne di na mba". If there are, we need to formally locate and acknowledge them. This will help us a great deal in repositioning our influence in international politicking and assimilation for our political survival and group relevance. Lets not limit ourselves in this country...most especially when we all know that our progress in this country has nothing to do with the national government but our individual efforts. Or is there any constitutional barrier barring us from reaching out to the world as a tribe or race? We need a national conference even if there are subgroups that don't want it. Let those who need it come for it and others shall keep playing second fiddles to their neighbours. The minor should not be allowed to weaken the major no matter what. May God continue to bless and protect the elders and youths of the the land of our birth and relations abroad.
54

Kene

O ct 13, 2011 @ 5:05 am

If you want to know about the Igbo culture, read ELEMENT OF LIFE AND DEATH by CHUKWUMA NNAEMEKA OBIORA.
55

kc

O ct 21, 2011 @ 2:02 am

this is really very interesting and educating, at list it gives the igbo, a clue of who they really are and where they are coming from. i will appreciate this the more if it explores and show hoe the explorative activities and the continuous intuitive nature of the igbo have contributed in making the world a better place. if those activities of the igbo that specifies them as hard working people can be added to this write, it will also be a nice thing
56

Sasuka

O ct 30, 2011 @ 9:21 pm

This site is soo AWESOME!! It totally helped with my SS project! Will definitely come back again. So educational!
57

Abba'Shaul

N ov 3, 2011 @ 10:10 am

I won't congratulate the writer, but rather sympathize him for time wasted to speak of what he don't know and peoples he knew nothing about. Igbos are fantastic upon
www.everyculture.com/wc/Mauritania-to-Nigeria/Igbo.html

the ups and downs obstacles and marginalization and annihilations/anti-igboism

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the ups and downs obstacles and marginalization and annihilations/anti-igboism worldwide initiated and led by British and introduced to others and makes a permanent project of Nigeria, however upon and ontop the Igbo nation her peoples live and incomparable to any black race but have proved to whitemen and generality of the western world that irrespective colour or complexion there is no inferiority with Igbo race at anywhere and any place in the universe. It is only Igbos and their brothers Jews or Israel had ever in life got the place where they are without making or advantage of any body to their development, unlike Britain, USA, Arabs, Russia, France,etc; if they should allow everyman to develop himself they all shall sure appologise to us. check Nigeria here whether any nation except the Igbos had produced a millionaire, general in army when Nigeria was a country with due process and merritocity. We know how other made their wealth, education, promotions in civil service and both in millitary, paramillitary and police, even upon that closed to a century the west had been introduced to western education but Prof. Dike is the first Idigenious vice chancelor while igbos produced 60% of the PhD holders in 1960 when Brutish or brutal peoples granted independence to Nigeria to be a sovereign nation, though west had more number of professors according to true history of Nigeria but education standard in the east had no standard with any other place in africa and equal with the highest standard in the world then which the igbos age to be only the African nation that developed sciences and technology, when even Korea and Asian besides Japan.The igbo peoples will always live. Long live Igbos, Long live Igbo nation.
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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

omoj vici

N ov 10, 2011 @ 12:12 pm

WOW,Ibo/Igbo is a very good culture,but i still prefer Y ORUBA to any other culture . CAN u guys produce deir festivaland its locations.IGBO/IBO is d second best tribe.
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JOHNPAUL

N ov 11, 2011 @ 7:19 pm

this article is so helpful in my college essay.also extremely revealing,and educative. am writing an essay on 'the essence of documenting the igbo folk songs'. pls i need an info. on the igbo folk songs(it's origin,usage,significance, e.t.c. tanx
60

amina

N ov 21, 2011 @ 12:12 pm

pls include photos of ways of dressing,what the dishes look like etc.
61

moonlight

N ov 27, 2011 @ 11:23 pm

hello, people! I'm from europe, i'm white and i think igbo language is very cool. I want to study igbo. Tell me how start?
62

ify

Dec 10, 2011 @ 10:22 pm

there are not many materials on the internet that can help you with learning Igbo language. And the language is somehow difficult and doesen't have word correlates for most modern Ideas, therefore, has a quite Limited vocabulary in the ''modern context'' of today. :)
63

Ify

Dec 10, 2011 @ 10:22 pm

However many African languages such as Y oruba, Hausa and KiSwahili have Broad
www.everyculture.com/wc/Mauritania-to-Nigeria/Igbo.html

Vocabularies, and are more widespread and useful,with courses in North American

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Vocabularies, and are more widespread and useful,with courses in North American and British Universities [I am sure about Y oruba and Swahili} ... :).
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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

kat

Jan 5, 2012 @ 5:17 pm

I need to kow what religion the europeans were trying to comvert them to when they first came on their land?
65

Minardabernathy

Jan 23, 2012 @ 12:12 pm

I am researching my ancestry and have been told this may be the tribe that is my origination I would like information this tribe.
66

gbenga mascot

Jan 29, 2012 @ 5:17 pm

Love this site it brings light about culture to the Nigerians abroad that does not know what is culture all about,the value in known your culture.In fact am happy i was brought up with my culture.
67

Samuel Canerdy

Jun 1, 2012 @ 1:13 pm

... I don't know what the point of all of this is to be honest, but it DID help... and I sorta thank you for that... I guess...
68

Prince Okpara

Jun 19, 2012 @ 7:07 am

This a nice job. Kudos to those who compiled it. Contributors are welcome. As for those who want help on the study of Igbo Language, I volunteer to be of help as a Corporate Communicator. Thanks for your attention. I can be reached on prince_okpara@yahoo.com
69

Daniel

Jul 7, 2012 @ 7:19 pm

Study have shown that the igbos have over the years made impact in nigeria,africa and the word at large: socially,culturally,spiritually etc. They are hardworking,skillful,talented. Often reffared as the brain of nigeria.the igbos are really great.
70

Neicie

Jul 8, 2012 @ 6:06 am

I am really interested in their wedding ceremonies, like the dress for the women and for the men and are there anything that they do in their culture like jumping the broom or the breaking of the glass. My sister is getting married to a very nice respectable and very polite Igbo man. I am excited for them both. I will be performing their wedding since I am a ordained minister and I would like to include something from the Igbo culture and their wedding ceremonies into my sisters wedding. I would like to know if there were certain foods that they ate at the ceremonies? Was there certain drinks? Any information would be so gratefully appreciated.
71

ada

Jul 17, 2012 @ 6:18 pm

Neicie, in reply to your question about igbo food and drinks, well the popular drink is palm wine and the popular food is either pounded cassava(fufu) and bitter leaf soup or Ugba which is a mixture of ukpaka and dry fish. Igbo food depends on the actual tribe, this is because all igbo's arent from the same ethnic group or enjoy foods that
www.everyculture.com/wc/Mauritania-to-Nigeria/Igbo.html

arent their community favorite.

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arent their community favorite.

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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

Nkem

Jul 29, 2012 @ 6:18 pm

Did'nt see much on other traditional sports of the igbos.

73

abby leyva

N ov 14, 2012 @ 5:17 pm

so i like the interesting facts in this websites but i want to know more about their foregn policys and how the missionaries affected their culture.
74

Godson j.ochukwu

N ov 22, 2012 @ 7:07 am

I LIKE TO TANK ALL INTRESTING SOULS THAT WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THE IBOS BE WISE TO UNDERSTAND THAT A TREE WITHOUT A ROOT IS LIKE A MAN WITHOUT AN ORIGIN AND THAT MAKES IT UNIDENTIFIED SOUL THAT IS A MAN WITHOUT IDENTITY .THE IBOS ORIGINATED FROM GOD.
75

jane

Dec 13, 2012 @ 6:06 am

im doin a project for school and this site wasnt very helpfual for me. you should put more information about the traditional foods that they eat!!
76

Chuks Demson

F eb 13, 2013 @ 5:05 am

Please take this correction: In this situation, you talk about standard Igbo. Hello how are you? Means 'kedu ka i di' or 'kedu ka i mere' What is your name? 'Gini bu aha gi' MAY I USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO INFORM Y OU OF OUR NEW IGBOL2 BOOKS. IT WILL HELP Y OU, ESPECIALLY IF Y OU ARE A-NON-IGBO SPEAKER. "UNDERSTANDING IGBO L2: BOOKS 1,2 AND 3. THANK Y OU.
77

Cathy

F eb 14, 2013 @ 3:15 pm

Someone should add something about the naturist of the Ibo/Igbo. I feel that somethings are left out and that is one of them.
78

M ar 13, 2013 @ 11:11 am

Very useful. but it would help to add the consequences they believe people receive from the gods when they disobey them.
79

Erick

A pr 17, 2013 @ 1:13 pm

This Site Really Helped Me Alot , Im learning This In School And Now Writting A Research Paper On It . Thanks
80

Alexa

A pr 21, 2013 @ 7:19 pm

This information was very useful, thank you very much! I'm doing a research report though and more information about marriage and religion would be greatly appreciated. Email me anytime!
81

Chibueze Jacob
www.everyculture.com/wc/Mauritania-to-Nigeria/Igbo.html

Jun 28, 2013 @ 10:10 am

@Emmanuella Chinda,why sovereign national conference in Ikwere and not Enugu

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Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions

@Emmanuella Chinda,why sovereign national conference in Ikwere and not Enugu or Anambra? does your people see themselves as IGBOs?
82

naevia

Jul 14, 2013 @ 6:06 am

I want to share my testimony to you all which i believe you can still try your best to give a testimony like this so i was married to halen sergey at first will both love each other but short time he started a new behavior which i cannot even explain to any one then i keep it to my self hopping one day he will change for good no way he did not change so i was in pain every day don't no what to do on till one day when a friend of mine visited me in my office she met me crying then she was asking me what is going on i try to be cam but i could not then i open up to her telling me there is a way out which i will do before he left me with my kids i look up and not knowing what to do then i ask her to tell me. shortly she open up to me and say there is a man called drogun he is a spirit man also magic man he can do it with in three days then i look an said okay i will try my best to contact him four days later, my husband did not come home i called his phone switch off then i try my possible best i did not hear from him so i began to look for one way for a help so i remember my friend told me about one man call Shogo i quickly run to my friend asking her if she still have shogo contact then she gave it to me that was how i contacted this great man of spirit he did it for me so quick so now i can now control my husband in any thing even i can tell him that i don't want him outside today he will not. Now i have a happy family thank you once again drogun real deal and i am so glad that i found him and i recommend him to anyone who needs help. thank you so much drogun you saved my life! Cammy so via email drogunspellhome@gmail.COM he will do it for you

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