The Igbo Culture: Interesting Things That Are Almost Forgotten

Have you ever wondered about the beautiful traditions of the Igbo culture? From the lively music and dance to the mouth-watering cuisine and stunning artistry, Igbo culture is a true reflection of the warm and welcoming people of Igbo land. In this article, we’ll take a journey through the interesting things about Igbo culture that are almost forgotten;

The music and dance

The Igbo music and dance are like a burst of energy! The “Ekwe” drum and “Ogene” flute will get you moving and grooving. The “Atilogwu” dance is a spectacle – colourful costumes, acrobatic moves, and infectious rhythms that’ll leave you wanting more.

Image source;Umuigbo.com

Fun Fact: The Igbos perform the Atilogwu dance at important ceremonies and celebrations like weddings and festivals.

The Igbo language

In  Igbo there are 30  dialects and spoken by over 25 million people worldwide. We have the; Oluohu dialect: spoken in Anambra State, Ngwa dialect: spoken  in Abia State, Isu dialect: spoken in Imo State, among others.

Friendship is considered sweeter when friends are living apart, and this is especially true when they are separated by distance. as exemplified by the Igbo proverb ‘Ụtọ ka mma na ọte aka’.

Art and craftsmanship

The Igbo art is incredibly beautiful and creative, combining colours, patterns, and meaningful symbols to produce stunning works that showcase the culture’s richness and strength. From wood carvings to textiles and pottery, Igbo art is a reflection of it culture and history. The “Mbari” art form is a unique style of Igbo art that uses clay and wood to create stunning sculptures.

Image source;pinterest.com

Fun Fact: Igbo art is highly valued and sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts around the world!

Igbo cuisine

The core of Igbo food is its soups. The popular soups are Ofe Oha, Onugbu, Ofe akwụ, Egusi and Nsala (White pepper soup).

 Igbo cuisine is a culinary journey you won’t want to miss.

Image source; Emysfood and recipes.

Fun Fact: Igbo cuisine is highly influenced by its neighbouring cultures, like the Efik and Ibibio people!

Festivals and celebrations

In Igbo culture, people celebrate numerous and diverse types of festivals. Below are two of the most popular festivals celebrated by the Igbos:

1. The Igbo New Yam Festival (Iwa ji, Iri ji ohuru, or Ikeji):

The Igbo people hold this festival every year at the end of the rainy season in early August, marking a cultural celebration. It is a culturally significant occasion that ties individual Igbo communities together, emphasizing their agrarian dependence on yams.

2. The Iwa Akwa Festival:

The Iwa-Akwa festival is one of the most beautiful Igbo festivals, celebrated every three years. It is a cultural heritage of Okigwe senatorial district in Imo State and Enugu west senatorial district in Enugu State, primarily celebrated by the people of Ugbo in Enugu State, Mbanos’, Obowos’, and Etiti in Imo State.

Image source; Ekwendigbo.com

Respect for elders and tradition

 In Igbo culture, respect for Elders ranks among the highest of our cultural values, along with respect for God and other divinities.

Image source; Igbo pride tv

The Igbo people value truthfulness themselves, recognizing it as essential for building trust and respect within the community. The phrase “Eziokwu bu ndu” translates to “truth is life,” emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity.

The Igbo people believe that truth should be spoken openly. They encourage their elders to speak the truth, refusing to compromise or tell lies, and they urge the younger ones to speak out against evil or bad actions.

Hospitality and warm welcome

The Igbo people treat visitors with respect and kindness, and they take pride in making sure their guests feel at home.

In Igbo culture, hospitality plays a huge role in making and keeping friends, there is never a limit to the volume of generosity which an Igbo is capable of showering on their guests.

Image source:Freepik

Skilled craftsmen and traders

The Igbo people skillfully craft and trade goods. The “Ariaria” market in Aba is one of the largest markets in West Africa.

Image source; Wikipedia.com

Fun Fact: Ariaria market is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and wide range of goods, from textiles to electronics!

Conclusion

Let’s celebrate the awesomeness of the igbo culture and keep its traditions alive. You Want to learn more about Igbo culture and language? Check out LearnWazobia’s Igbo class and language learning resources for kids!

LearnWazobia offers interactive and engaging lessons that make learning Igbo fun and easy for kids. With our resources, you can help your children develop a strong appreciation for Igbo culture and language. Sign up now and let’s keep Igbo culture alive for the next generation!