Beyond Carvings and Rituals: Unveiling the Ikenga's Role in Modern Igbo Society
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15575/jcrt.450Keywords:
Cultural Heritage, entrepreneurship, globalization, Igbo Society, IkengaAbstract
Purpose of the Study: This study examines the contemporary significance of the Ikenga, a crucial cultural symbol among the Igbo people of Nigeria, commonly associated with strength, determination, and entrepreneurial drive. Methodology: The study used a qualitative research design and employed semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis to collect data from various participants in Igbo society. These participants included entrepreneurs, community leaders, cultural historians, and spiritual leaders. Main Findings: The research reveals that Ikenga continues to serve as a significant cultural icon, supporting entrepreneurship and symbolizing communal achievements and personal aspirations in contemporary times. Despite the challenges of globalization, Ikenga adapts to maintain its relevance, underpinning socio-economic practices and embodying the enduring Igbo values of resilience and determination. Applications of this Study: The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, cultural practitioners, and scholars, highlighting the importance of integrating cultural heritage into development strategies. This study encourages a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the dynamic interplay between traditional symbols and modern societal roles, offering a model for preserving cultural identity in rapidly changing environments. Novelty/Originality of this Study: This research contributes to the ethnographic literature by offering a contemporary analysis of Ikenga's relevance in Igbo society, beyond its traditional and symbolic interpretations. It underscores the symbol's adaptability and enduring significance, enriching the discourse on the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of globalization and modern challenges.
References
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Afigbo, A. E. (1986). Ikenga: The State of our knowledge. Owerri: Rada Publishing Company.
Aniakor, C. (1973). Structuralism in Ikenga: an ethno-aesthetic approach. Ikenga: Journal of African Studies, 2(1), 6–28.
Arinze, F. (1970). Sacrifice in Igbo Religion. Ibadan: Ibadan University Press.
Basden, G. T. (1966). Niger Ibos. London: Frank Cass.
Bentor, E. (1988). Life as an Artistic Process: Igbo Ikenga and Ofo. African Arts, 21(2), 66. https://doi.org/10.2307/3336530
Boston, J. S. (1977). Ikenga Figures among the North-western Igbo and the Igala. Lagos: National Museum.
Chuku, G. (2018a). Igbo Historiography: Part II. History Compass. https://doi.org/10.1111/hic3.12487
Chuku, G. (2018b). Igbo historiography: Part III. History Compass, 16(10). https://doi.org/10.1111/hic3.12488
Dike, K. O. (1956). Trade and Politics of the Nigerian Delta. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Ejizu, C. I. (1991). Ritual enactment of achievement: ‘Ikenga’ symbol in Igboland. Paideuma: Mittelungen Zur Kulturkunde, 37, 233–251.
Ezugwu, A. (2023). When Aka Ikenga Honoured Igbo Entrepreneurs. Retrieved 12 February 2024, from New Telegraph website: https://newtelegraphng.com/when-aka-ikenga-honoured-igbo-entrepreneurs/
Isiani, M. C., Obi-Ani, N. A., Akabuike, C. C., Onyemechalu, S. J., Okafor, S. P., & Dimelu, S. A. (2021). Creativity, spirituality and society: a study in preservation of Ikenga and Ọfọ sculptures in contemporary Igbo society. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 13(4), 594–608. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-12-2020-0178
Jeffreys, M. D. W. (1954). Ikeŋga: the Ibo Ram‐headed God. African Studies, 13(1), 25–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/00020185408706926
Kroeber, A. L., & Kluckhohn, C. (1952). Culture: a critical review of concepts and definitions. Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, Harvard University, 47(1), 223.
Njoku, R. (2013). Chinua Achebe and the Development of Igbo/African Studies. In The Igbo Intellectual Tradition (pp. 249–266). New York: Palgrave Macmillan US. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137311290_10
Nnadozie, E. (2002). African Indigenous Entrepreneurship Determinants of Resurgence and Growth of Igbo Entrepreneurship During the Post-Biafra Period. Journal of African Business. https://doi.org/10.1300/j156v03n01_04
Nwaezigwe, N. T. (2013). Ikenga cultic symbol and structural representation of the Igbo enterprise. Journal of Tourism and Heritage Studies, 2(1), 1–15.
Nwala, T. U. (1985). Igbo Philosophy. Lagos: Lantern Books.
Nwosu, T. N. C. (1983). Ndi Ichie Akwa Mythology and Folklore Origins of the Igbos. Lagos: CSS Press.
Odita, E. O. (1973). Universal Cults and Intra-Diffusion: Igbo Ikenga in Cultural Retrospection. African Studies Review, 16(1), 73–82. https://doi.org/10.2307/523734
Oguejiofor, J. . (2009). Is African Worldview Responsible for the African Predicament? Uche Journal of Philosophy, 15, 1–13.
Oguejiofor, J. O. (1996). Eschatology, Immortality and Igbo Philosophy of Life. Bigard Theological Studies, 16, 32–33.
Okeke, C. O., Ibenwa, C. N., & Okeke, G. T. (2017). Conflicts Between African Traditional Religion and Christianity in Eastern Nigeria: The Igbo Example. SAGE Open, 7(2), 215824401770932. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244017709322
Olutayo, O. A. (1999). The Igbo entrepreneur in the political economy of Nigeria. African Study Monographs, 20(3), 147–174.
Onwuejeogwu, M. A. (1972). The dawn of Igbo civilization in the Igbo culture area. Odinani: Journal of Odinani Museum, 1, 32–33.
Onyibor, M. I. S. (2016). Igbo Cosmology in Chinua Achebe’s Arrow of God: An Evaluative Analysis. Open Journal of Philosophy, 06(01), 110–119. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojpp.2016.61011
Ottenberg, S. (1959). Ibo Receptivity to Change. In W. Bascom & M. J. Herskovits (Eds.), Continuity and Change in African Cultures (pp. 103–104). Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.
Uchehara, F. . (2009). Integrated Approach to Entrepreneurship Studies. Onitsha: Feros Prints & Co. Ltd.
Ukaegbu, F. N. (2005). The Igbos: The African Root of Nations. Ibadan: Heinemann Educational Books.
Utami, V., Ahmad, S., & Wahyuni, D. (2023). Tradition’s Vital Role: Exploring the Multifaceted Functions of Mandi Ka Luak in Minangkabau Society. Journal of Contemporary Rituals and Traditions, 1(2), 89–98. https://doi.org/10.15575/jcrt.381
Achebe, C. (1964). Arrow of God. London: Heinemann.
Afigbo, A. E. (1986). Ikenga: The State of our knowledge. Owerri: Rada Publishing Company.
Aniakor, C. (1973). Structuralism in Ikenga: an ethno-aesthetic approach. Ikenga: Journal of African Studies, 2(1), 6–28.
Arinze, F. (1970). Sacrifice in Igbo Religion. Ibadan: Ibadan University Press.
Basden, G. T. (1966). Niger Ibos. London: Frank Cass.
Bentor, E. (1988). Life as an Artistic Process: Igbo Ikenga and Ofo. African Arts, 21(2), 66. https://doi.org/10.2307/3336530
Boston, J. S. (1977). Ikenga Figures among the North-western Igbo and the Igala. Lagos: National Museum.
Chuku, G. (2018a). Igbo Historiography: Part II. History Compass. https://doi.org/10.1111/hic3.12487
Chuku, G. (2018b). Igbo historiography: Part III. History Compass, 16(10). https://doi.org/10.1111/hic3.12488
Dike, K. O. (1956). Trade and Politics of the Nigerian Delta. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Ejizu, C. I. (1991). Ritual enactment of achievement: ‘Ikenga’ symbol in Igboland. Paideuma: Mittelungen Zur Kulturkunde, 37, 233–251.
Ezugwu, A. (2023). When Aka Ikenga Honoured Igbo Entrepreneurs. Retrieved 12 February 2024, from New Telegraph website: https://newtelegraphng.com/when-aka-ikenga-honoured-igbo-entrepreneurs/
Isiani, M. C., Obi-Ani, N. A., Akabuike, C. C., Onyemechalu, S. J., Okafor, S. P., & Dimelu, S. A. (2021). Creativity, spirituality and society: a study in preservation of Ikenga and Ọfọ sculptures in contemporary Igbo society. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 13(4), 594–608. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-12-2020-0178
Jeffreys, M. D. W. (1954). Ikeŋga: the Ibo Ram‐headed God. African Studies, 13(1), 25–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/00020185408706926
Kroeber, A. L., & Kluckhohn, C. (1952). Culture: a critical review of concepts and definitions. Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, Harvard University, 47(1), 223.
Njoku, R. (2013). Chinua Achebe and the Development of Igbo/African Studies. In The Igbo Intellectual Tradition (pp. 249–266). New York: Palgrave Macmillan US. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137311290_10
Nnadozie, E. (2002). African Indigenous Entrepreneurship Determinants of Resurgence and Growth of Igbo Entrepreneurship During the Post-Biafra Period. Journal of African Business. https://doi.org/10.1300/j156v03n01_04
Nwaezigwe, N. T. (2013). Ikenga cultic symbol and structural representation of the Igbo enterprise. Journal of Tourism and Heritage Studies, 2(1), 1–15.
Nwala, T. U. (1985). Igbo Philosophy. Lagos: Lantern Books.
Nwosu, T. N. C. (1983). Ndi Ichie Akwa Mythology and Folklore Origins of the Igbos. Lagos: CSS Press.
Odita, E. O. (1973). Universal Cults and Intra-Diffusion: Igbo Ikenga in Cultural Retrospection. African Studies Review, 16(1), 73–82. https://doi.org/10.2307/523734
Oguejiofor, J. . (2009). Is African Worldview Responsible for the African Predicament? Uche Journal of Philosophy, 15, 1–13.
Oguejiofor, J. O. (1996). Eschatology, Immortality and Igbo Philosophy of Life. Bigard Theological Studies, 16, 32–33.
Okeke, C. O., Ibenwa, C. N., & Okeke, G. T. (2017). Conflicts Between African Traditional Religion and Christianity in Eastern Nigeria: The Igbo Example. SAGE Open, 7(2), 215824401770932. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244017709322
Olutayo, O. A. (1999). The Igbo entrepreneur in the political economy of Nigeria. African Study Monographs, 20(3), 147–174.
Onwuejeogwu, M. A. (1972). The dawn of Igbo civilization in the Igbo culture area. Odinani: Journal of Odinani Museum, 1, 32–33.
Onyibor, M. I. S. (2016). Igbo Cosmology in Chinua Achebe’s Arrow of God: An Evaluative Analysis. Open Journal of Philosophy, 06(01), 110–119. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojpp.2016.61011
Ottenberg, S. (1959). Ibo Receptivity to Change. In W. Bascom & M. J. Herskovits (Eds.), Continuity and Change in African Cultures (pp. 103–104). Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.
Uchehara, F. . (2009). Integrated Approach to Entrepreneurship Studies. Onitsha: Feros Prints & Co. Ltd.
Ukaegbu, F. N. (2005). The Igbos: The African Root of Nations. Ibadan: Heinemann Educational Books.
Utami, V., Ahmad, S., & Wahyuni, D. (2023). Tradition’s Vital Role: Exploring the Multifaceted Functions of Mandi Ka Luak in Minangkabau Society. Journal of Contemporary Rituals and Traditions, 1(2), 89–98. https://doi.org/10.15575/jcrt.381
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