What are Igbo People Known for?

The Igbo tribe is a well-known ethnic group for its ambitious, independent, and adventurous spirit.

They are native to the southeast of Nigeria.

The tribe, Ndi Igbo, is well-known in its native land for its diverse cuisine, dance, music, musical instruments, festivals, and culture.

Most of the population speaks “Igbo,” which has over 20 dialects and roughly 45 million people.

Igbo people’s talent and creativity are seen in traditional and contemporary music.

Their entrepreneurial endeavours are well-known both in Nigeria and around the world.

Enjoy as we share interesting facts about the Igbo people.

Interesting Facts About the Igbo People

History

Igbo tradition claims that Eri, a deity, was sent from heaven to launch civilization and is the ancestor of the Igbo people.

Another account describes Eri as one of the sons of Gad who came down to build the modern-day nation of Igboland, as stated in the Bible’s book of Genesis.

Igbos live in a region of Nigeria known as Igboland, which is split into two parts along the lower River Niger.

They are concentrated in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, as well as smaller portions of Delta, Rivers, and Benue.

There are also a few small Igbo populations in Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon.

Igbos have migrated to various nations as a result of the transatlantic slave trade.

This includes Jamaica, Cuba, Barbados, Belize, and the United States.

Jamaican patois contains Igbo cultural elements.

For instance, the Igbo word “unu,” which means “you,” is still used.

Moreover, the terms “red Ibo” and “red eboe” refer to black people with fairer skin.

For context, a lighter skin tone is common among Igbos.

Eboe Town is the name of a section of Belize City after its population, who are of Igbo descent.

Igbos make up a large portion of the immigrants from Nigeria who have moved to the United States since the late 20th century.

More than 200,000 Igbo people are thought to reside in the US.

Read: What is the religion of the Igbo tribe?

Historical findings

Thurstan Shaw unearthed several Igbo artefacts at archaeological sites in Igbo-Ukwu between 1959 and 1964.

This includes approximately 700 high-quality artefacts made of bronze, copper, and iron, as well as stone beads, glass, and ivory.

In addition, the oldest bronze artefacts in West Africa are thought to be Igbo.

The British Museum houses five bronze artefacts discovered during the dig.

Occupation

Root crop production is essential to the traditional Igbo economy.

The three main root crops are taro, cassava, and yams.

Moreover, work is divided into gendered categories.

With the assistance of the women and children, the men remove the bush and plant the yams.

After the yam planting, plots are assigned to the women separately.

Each lady also plants additional crops on the sides of hills and in the areas between the yams.

The Igbo have long engaged in trading.

The market has grown to be a significant source of income.

Furthermore, more Igbo people are now employed in wage labour.

Rising road development, urbanisation, emerging industries, and oil exploration are creating numerous work opportunities.

Read: What is the Relationship Between the Igbo Tribe and Jews?

Governance

There are considerable differences between the Igbo political system and most of its West African neighbours.

The traditional republican style of governance, which is a consultative assembly of people and ensures citizens’ equality, is used by the Igbos, except a few significant Igbo communities with an Obi (king).

So, this style of governance deviates from the typical one where a king rules over the populace.

Even though certain titleholders are honoured for their accomplishments, they are never treated with the same respect as monarchs.

Read: The Top 10 Most Influential African Leaders

Cuisine

The Igbo’s main source of food is yam.

The yam was traditionally the dish of choice at ceremonial gatherings.

Rice has taken its place in modern times. Plantains, maize, taro root, and cassava are some additional starchy foods.

A typical meal consists of starch and a soup or stew made with vegetables and bits of meat such as fish, chicken, cattle, or goat.

Different varieties of jollof rice are popular throughout Nigeria.

The Igbos who reside close to waterways frequently make it with shrimp.

The recipe that follows is particularly well-liked.

Read: African Cuisine: Discovering the Flavours and Traditions of the Continent’s Diverse Culinary Heritage

Religion

The traditional religion of the Igbo people holds that there is only one creator, known as “Chineke” or “Chukwu.”

The deity of thunder, known as “Amadioha,” is one of many other deities and spirits that can help communicate with the creator in the shape of natural objects.

Other deities include “Ala,” the feminine soil spirit, “Anyanwu,” the deity whose name means “eye of the sun,” and “Idemili,” the water goddess whose emblem is a serpent.

More than 90% of Igbos converted to Christianity once Nigeria was colonised, and this religion still dominates the country today.

Marriage

The initial stage of an Igbo marriage is known as “iku aka” (literally, “to knock on the door”), and it involves the man requesting the woman’s father’s permission to marry her.

The bride’s extended family will be present for the second stage, during which the groom and his family will pay a second visit to the woman’s family, and they will be required to provide their approval as well.

Furthermore, the groom will make a third visit to pay the bride’s price and obtain the list of wedding-related items from his future in-laws.

The wedding itself, also known as “igba nkwu” or “wine carrying,” is the fourth and last stage.

During this time, the bride will come out to find her groom, who has hidden in the crowd, and will offer him a cup of palm wine.

Celebrations start after the family and well-wishers bless the couple.

Folklore

The Igbo have a set of folk beliefs that describe how the universe came into existence.

These beliefs provide instructions on how to interact with gods, spirits, and one’s ancestors and describe the roles that the celestial and earthly bodies play.

The Igbo believe that both unseen and visible entities.

This includes the living, the dead, and those who have not yet been born, inhabit the world.

They think that reincarnation serves as a link between the living and the dead.

Conclusion

The Igbo people have a rich cultural heritage, rooted in history, tradition, and creativity.

Their contributions span from ancient artifacts to modern entrepreneurial success.

Their unique governance, diverse cuisine, and deep spiritual beliefs further define their identity.

Despite global dispersion, the Igbo maintain strong cultural ties, influencing societies worldwide.

Understanding the Igbo people provides insight into their resilience, innovation, and enduring legacy.

Their story is one of a community that thrives on independence, cultural pride, and adaptability.

As you explore their history and customs, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant spirit that defines the Igbo people.

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