Igbo+Social+Structure

Max Beckman

Igbo social structure and government changed a lot in the 1800s and the early 1900s. The key root of Igbo life was the village group. Families in Nigeria during the 19th and early 20th centuries usually all lived together. All families lived as extended families and the person with the most authority in the house was the oldest man. His job was to settle arguments between the family and also had power over communication with ancestors. The oldest man was given the most respect out of anyone in a home. "In some areas the government of chiefs and elders was composed of a governing age grade, in others the council of elders was made up of the oldest members of particular families" (http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofEnglish/imperial/nigeria/govt.htm). In Igbo government, the eldest members of families were government officials. Adults were not the only people that worked in Igbo government and society. Children were also given jobs depending on their age. "Each age-grade was responsible for specific areas of community service, and this often promoted rivalry between the groups" (http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofEnglish/imperial/nigeria/govt.htm). When people caused trouble in society, each age-grade was counted on to keep order in their area of the community.







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__Analysis of Pictures:__

The first picture represents the social class in Igbo social structure. As I mentioned at the top of the page, the village group was always the most important and the most respected out of anyone in the Igbo social classes. Elders were the most respected people in Igbo government and social structure.

The second picture is of an Igbo chief. The picture shows the chief communicating with other people through hand motions. Igbo's did not always use verbal language. Like many other cultures, Igbo's used body language as another form of communication.

The last photo on the page is of an Igbo family. It is easy to tell that this family is probably more wealthy than most other Igbo families, judging by their clothing. This picture also shows that this family is big. There are eight people in this picture. As I said before, most Igbo families all lived together in one big extended family.