About · Igbo Culture and Heritage

Igbo culture and heritage

A short guide to what you will see and hear at Iriji, written for guests as well as for the community.

Two women wearing gele and coral bead jewellery

DressIsiagu and the red cap for men, george wrapper, blouse and gele for women, coral beads for both. Town unions often wear matching cloth so you can see at a glance who has travelled together.

Dancer performing with a decorated staff

Music and danceOgene, udu, ekwe and igba set the rhythm. Cultural troupes perform set dances, and the field usually joins in before the afternoon is over.

MmanwuMasquerade is performance and remembrance at once. Give the masquerade room, watch rather than touch, and follow the guidance of the troupe leaders.

YamJi is the king of crops. It appears roasted, pounded and boiled, and at the ceremony it is carried, blessed, broken and shared before anything else is eaten.

Three men in matching traditional shirts

Greeting and kolaElders are greeted first. Kola nut, oji, is presented, blessed and broken as a sign of welcome and peace. Igbo kwenu is answered by the whole gathering.

Families gathered with a traditional ruler

UmunnaThe kindred and the town union are the working unit of Igbo community life. Much of the festival is organised through them, and they lead the presentations.