Igbo culture (Igbo: Ọmenala ndị Igbo) encompasses the customs, practices, and traditions of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It consists of ancient practices known as Odinala ndi Igbo, as well as new concepts added through cultural evolution or outside influence.
Traditional attire is a significant part of every culture. Traditional attire includes garments, jewelry, and accessories rooted in the past that are worn by an identifiable group of people, often with slight changes over time in color, form, and material.
Traditionally, the attire of the Igbo generally consisted of little clothing as the purpose of clothing then was to conceal private parts, although elders were fully clothed. Children were usually nude from birth till their adolescence (the time when they were considered to have something to hide) but sometimes ornaments such as beads were worn around the waist for medical reasons. Women carried their babies on their backs with a strip of clothing binding the two with a knot at her chest. This baby carrying technique was and still is practiced by many people groups across Africa, including the Igbo. This method has been modernized in the form of the child carrier. In most cases, Igbo women did not cover their chest areas.
Men would wear loin cloths that wrapped around their waist and between their legs to be fastened at their back, the type of clothing appropriate for the intense heat as well as jobs such as farming. Men could also tie a wrapper over their loin cloth.
An Igbo chief in traditional attire.
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Modern Igbo Traditional Attire
Modern Igbo traditional attire is generally made up, for men, of the Isiagu top which resembles the African Dashiki. Isiagu (or Ishi agu) is usually patterned with lions heads embroidered over the clothing. It can also be plain, (usually black). It is worn with trousers and can be worn with either a traditional title holders hat (a fez named okpu agu or agwu), or with the traditional Igbo stripped men's hat (which resembles the Bobble hat).
For public occasions such as traditional weddings, men tie such materials like gorge, which is considered to be expensive, and this usually goes with 'Isiagu' popular for wealthy and traditional title holders.
Here are some important facts about Igbo men's traditional attire:
- The attire of the royal household, titled holders, and chiefs is different from that of the untitled men.
- The walking stick is a necessary part of the men attire and no traditional Igbo outfit is complete without it.
- Both men and women wore wrappers.
Key Elements of Igbo Chieftaincy Attire
Here are key elements of Igbo chieftaincy attire:
- Okpu agụ/ 'okpu Ishi-agu': “leopard hat” (a sign of bravery/warriors).
- Okpu mme: ‘red cap’ the fez caps come from Europe, however, the use of okpu mme is so specific to communities with Nze na Ọzọ associated members.
- Isiagụ: Also called Chieftaincy, is a, usually, red short-sleeved, knee-length tunic bearing imprints of a tiger’s head. Isiagụ is a mark of achievement.
- Mgba aka, mgba olu, and mgba ụkwụ: Beads and bands worn as a wrist or arm band, bracelet, necklace, and ankle lace. Men and women wear mgba aka and others, though the nature and style of the jewelry may be gender-specific.
- Mgbájị: A set of waist ornaments, usually colored beads or pearls. Maidens would wear beads around their necks, wrist, and ankles to showcase their beauty.
- Mkpọ: A carved designer walking stick, used by men. The walking stick is a necessary part of the men attire and no traditional Igbo outfit is complete without it.
- Uwe: Designates any garment, in particular a cloth worn over the torso of both genders.
Igbo chiefs in traditional attire.
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Highly accomplished men and women are admitted into their noble orders for people of title such as Ndi Ozo or Ndi Nze. These people receive insignia to show their stature.
The Igbo have a unique form of apprenticeship in which either a male family member or a community member will spend time (usually in their teens to their adulthood) with another family, when they work for them. This Igbo apprenticeship system is called Imu Ahia or Igba Boy in Igboland.
The Evolution of Igbo Fashion and Clothing; From Tradition to Modernity
Kola nut (Igbo: Ọjị) occupies a unique position in the cultural life of Igbo people. Ọjị is the first thing served to any visitor in an Igbo home.
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