Guidebook

Getting the differences makes a difference

As a western person travelling to Igboland, it is important that you are aware of the differences that you will encounter between the western culture and Igbo culture. A good understanding of their customs could potentially prevent unnecessary troubles and would lead to the desired good diplomatic relationship. This guide will offer information about the key elements of the Igbo culture including the cultural differences and eventually offer suggestions for a good relationship with the Igbo people.

1)      Family life

In the Igbo culture, family is one of central elements of an individual’s life. It is considered one of the important steps that one has to make in order to improve his social image. One major difference between the western culture and the Igbo culture is the acceptance of polygamy. Men get married and work in order to increase the size of their households however if they are unable to do this the first wife can bring more wives in order to help. Yet, the first wife will always be the only one carrying the titles of her husband, this being only one of the privileges in front of the other wives. It is very important to consider however the freedom of the wives who can leave at any moment if they consider themselves mistreated.

2)      Religion

Religion, similar to family, has been important to Igbo people even from antiquity and presents another significant difference from the western culture. Igbo people believe in one Supreme Being named Chukwu; however they also believe in spirits which are generally representatives of the elements of nature such as rain, iron, the earth and many more. Igbo people approach these spirits in order to be given help in their lives. Sometimes, sacrifices are needed in order for the request to be accepted. Here is where the Oracles are being considered. Oracles play an important role in the relationship between the people and the spirits as they are the ones informing Igbo people whether a sacrifice is needed; Oracles also help them communicate with their deceased fathers in order to seek advice.

3)      Activities

Throughout their lives, Igbo people work hard in the attempt of obtaining wealth and titles that improve their social image. The most common activities are iron working and agriculture and they allow hard working individuals to obtain wealth and buy titles which are generally very expensive. The highest title one man can get is known as ozo which is considered by Igbo people the gift of immortality, which makes the owner a god in the eyes of other people. These ozo people are highly appreciated and respected by the others, the ozo title being extremely hard to attain. Yet, one man is not allowed to achieve a title which would make him equal or superior to his own father.

Apart from title earning, Igbo people are also members of different groups such as age groups, women’s associations, council of chiefs or council of elders. In age groups, people under 15 years old are being given easy tasks in the society such as bringing water from a stream. People between the age of 15 and 40 generally take part in wars and do jobs such as cutting trees and bushes before the planting season.

After the age of 40, they are in charge with judicial matters. These include decisions of war, punishment of offenders and so on. In women’s associations, members are taking care of the punishment of aggressive people as well as urging male Igbo to go to war. Councils of elders are in charge with hereditary matters, the biggest authority being the one of the eldest member. Yet all the decisions are being taken only with the approval of the entire group. Lastly, the chief’s council is composed of the people who achieved the ozo title and it represents the community in front of outsiders.

4)      Rules and beliefs

One of the first and most important rules is that no one has the right of killing another human being. This is however not a difference from our own culture. Even after wars, men have to go through rituals of purification. Homicide is generally punished by hanging the murderer since killing another human being is considered an offence towards the earth goddess Ani. So is the act of committing suicide, the person not being buried after death, but abandoned in the forest. This is also the fate of twins which are left by their parents in the forest. In some villages however only one of the twins killed.

 Respect the customs:

Customs are very important for Igbo people since they are offering guidelines for Igbo life. Offences and rule breaking can be severely punished. One of the most important aspects is that Igbo people prefer to be in balance with both the gods and the other members of their society. Therefore, people often make compromises in order to make sure that the members of a trade are both equal. This means both winning or both losing. Do not try to incline the balance towards yourself as they will not be happy with your actions. Another very important aspect is respect, especially for the elders and people with high titles, which has to be shown for a good relationship to be established. Do not try to convince them that their religion and their beliefs are false. Religion has been an important element in Igbo life even from antiquity, Igbo people having a very well developed explanation of how life on earth began. Moreover, Igbo people are willing to listen to people that listen back to them and respect their customs. As long as these rules and beliefs of the Igbo people are being respected and followed, a good diplomatic relationship should be easy to establish.