Wanderthirst around Igbo neigbourliness in tales, songs and practices: a reflection on the pristine survival of the pre – modern Awgu people

Abstract

The word Igbo, according to the Western missionary, Bishop Joseph Shanahan (1871 - 1943), stands for industry, boldness and obedience. One may extrapolate that industry shuns loafing (as represented by Unoka), boldness confronts any situation intrepidly (as represented by Okonkwo), obedience identifies with values, philosophies and mores of a social group (as represented by Obierika). These tripartite traits translate to no-existence of indolence, pervasive resourcefulness, unwavering piety to family, extended family and communal multilateral relations among Ndigbo. Undeniably today, change and decay are gradually crumbling these remarkable features of a race as demonstrable evidence of pungent social change suggestive of societal chords that are fast snapping apart. This study considers aspects of Igbo (Awgu) communal relationship contributing to the sustenance and survival of this social group until lately. Though not intended as comparison between life then and now, the study strives to reawaken nostalgia in us about some negligence for our culture, to constrain us to retreat to pick up the pieces of what are edifying, and to combine these essentials with the flower of the present to ensure continual survival of Igbo civilization.