Written Task1: Twentieth Century Travels to Igbo Land

Tired of the usual, mundane rituals of daily life? Looking to break away from staid routines for a thrilling, new adventure? … Then we have the answer for you. It's time to experience the adventure that is Igbo Land!

A recent acquisition of the British, the African Land of Igbo land has become an extension of this Great Empire in the south. Atypical to the usual British lifestyle, the culture of Igbo land is fascinating with all citizens urged to experience this distinctive society. An extension of our pride as a nation it is imperative for us to see these conquests as not trivial displays of dominance but instead positive expansion – bringing to others what they have yet to know they need. This being said there is much to these people that we should too experience as to understand others best, one must submerge themselves within their reality. 

One of the largest ethnic groups in Africa, Igbo culture culture is home to 15 million people in Nigeria with other millions outside. A divided people of nearly 200 groups, our aims are to bring unity and education to these societies, assimilating them into a higher standard of living. Having been in the same geographical area for over 2000 years, Igbo people have smelted and forged iron for centuries, using the tools made from this to grow yams, bananas, plantains and various other byproducts of agriculture. One of the key elements one should keep in mind when visiting such a place is to be sensitive towards the native’s culture. An intrinsic and inextricable part of their lives, in order to maintain amicable relations it is important to be respectful towards the beliefs of the Igbo people.

Home to a set of unique beliefs and values, the Igbo people ascribe to views of life after death, holding up concepts of reincarnation and chi in high stead. Expressed through their various proverbs and folk tales, a practice among the indigenous people that is worth experiencing, the Igbo people believe there to be a variety of spirit animals ubiquitous in their land and surroundings. They believe these spirits to take form in natural phenomena i.e. lakes, rivers, hills and caves – things that we as people ascribe no significant value to. The reason for all this being their superstitious foundation, believing in a supreme being they refer to as Chukwu. An ethereal being that dwells in the skies - acting as the origin of all the things as well as the directing the activities of all things. In such a culture, the line between the physical and supernatural is as thin as air, as the people themselves believe that the byproduct of living in peace with ones ancestors in good health and long life. Ideas absurd the minds of rational beings such as ourselves, it is interesting to gain perspective on the outlooks of others, gaining new experiences, no matter how barmy they may be.  Another great thing the Igbo people possess are artefacts of great spiritual significance; the Ikenga, a wooden carving present in the houses of the Igbo people, is symbolic of a man’s strength and success, and can be brought back as a souvenir, standing as a symbol of what we as an Empire already have!

Finally the way of life among such a people is equally as fascinating. Antediluvian in its nature, Igbo land has a lack of any perceivable centralized political structure. An element that is soon to change, given the much needed aid of the British Government; these autonomous towns are governed by the elders of the town who congregate in what they refer to as an Obi, which from what we discern means ‘a meeting place.’ Known for being extremely democratic, these systems of Government relied heavily upon direct participation from what they call Cross Cutting Ties. Of which the five most important institutions are the Council of Elders, Age groups, council of chiefs and respectively the woman’s association and other secret societies. Different to the political system of ours, which revolves around a single ruler apart of a monarchy, the Igbo people also foster a culture that honors achievement. This reflective through a Proverb of theirs, “If a child washes his hands he can eat with kings.”

So with an interesting array of different facets of life to experience, a trip to Igbo land seems almost to good to be true. However in such a time like this we have the keys to the Kingdom and would be foolish to not make the most of them! So plan today and visit the diverse land that is Igbo land!