Omenala Ikpu Ozu Akwa n’Agụlụ: N’Oge Gboo na Oge Ugbua

Abstract

Igbo traditional rites are among the things that distinqush them
from other nations. These rites are considered as parts of Igbo
traditional practices. The elders are expected to be the custodians
of the Igbo valuable traditional practices. Some burial rites and
ceremonies are exceptional and given special meaning and
attention. Covering the corpse with wrapper before it is buried is
one of the Igbo traditional burial rites. Most Igbo communities
including Agụlụ perform this rite for their deceased but the modus
operandi is peculiar to each community. Some people see this
burial rite as an inherited tradition but are ignorant of what it
entails. The objectives of this study include highlighting this
burial rite “covering the corpse with wrapper” and making the
public know about it. It also intends to x-ray the rite and know
why Agụlụ community cover corpse with wrapper before burying
it. The theoretical framework was anchored on Symbolic
Interactionism. Research method used was descriptive and survey
method. Among the findings of this study is that covering the
corpse with wrapper symbolizes good relationship between the
deceased and those covering it. It also finds out that some
deceased are not entitled to this rite. The study recommends that
Igbo people promote and project their culture rather than
jettisoning their ways of life in quest for foreign cultures. It is
equally important that Igbo anthropology scholars persistently
research on the essence of most Igbo traditional practices which
will aid continuous promotion of Igbo culture.