THE NIGERIAN STORY
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Another notable ethnic group in Nigeria are the Igbos.The Igbos have a unique culture. There are three account on the origin of the Igbo people and tribe.
The Igbo are the second largest group of people living in southern Nigeria. They are one of the three major tribes in Nigeria. They consist of many subgroups and are known to be socially and culturally diverse. Although Igbos are mostly Christians today, they have a deep and original culture.
Igbo culture includes the various customs, practices and traditions of the people. It comprises ancient practices as well as modern concepts added into the Igbo culture either through evolution or outside influences.
HISTORY
The first version says the Igbos migrated from the Middle East to their present location. The second version says they have been in their present location in eastern Nigeria from time immemorial. The third version says they descended from the sky.The language of the Igbos belongs to the Niger-Congo family. The Igbo people thrived in the Igbo-Ukwu art culture while they cherished Arochukwu in the spiritual realm. You need to know that birth, marriage and burial are considered the three most important family events.
MARRIAGE
Igbo traditional marriage, known as igbankwu is not just an affair between the future husband and wife, it involves parents, the extended family and the whole village. The would-be grooms parent will bring palm wine and kolanuts to the bride’s family and other items such as goats, chickens etc. as requested by the family. We wish to state that the wedding ceremony varies from village to village. Birth is also celebrated among the Igbos but the naming ceremony is usually performed on the 28th day.
DEATH
Many customs surround the burial rites such as paying last respect to the dead, singing traditional ballads and traditional dances, acrobatic displays by masquerades, etc.
ART
The village of Igbo-Ukwu is the harbinger of the oldest known sculpture from Igboland. In that village (Igbo-Ukwu), there was an excavation of the grave of a man of some importance and wealth dating back to the 9th Century which produced some of the earliest bronze castings, glass beads, bowls and ornaments.


The objects found at Igbo-Ukwu are also for ritual as well as secular purposes.The objects found at this site were a large collection of objects and regalia mostly made through the “lost wax” technique and others made through smiting and casting method. In terms of style, the artifacts found at Igbo-Ukwu are not similar to the Bini, Ife or any other Nigerian arts; they are originally local in shape and content. The findings at this site indicate a very well developed economy with surplus to engage in artistic production. The Igbo political system is a segmentary system of governance where you have hierarchy of power from the family to the age group and to special titles. This power is often distributed among the following title holders: Ozo, Ichie, Mazi, Ozioko, Nze, Diokpa, Isi, Okpara, Ezeji and a few others.


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