Ch.+17+Ibo+cultural+beliefs,+spirits,+taboos,+sacred+symbols

= ﻿ Rachel Cantwell= =__//** Cultural beliefs, symbols, and spirits of the Igbo **//__= =**CHAPTER 17 (PG 149-153)**=

The Igbo’s call their spiritual and religious beliefs and practices, Odinani. The Ibo’s use chalk colored white masks to incarnate spirits of the dead, creating a large community of souls. The masks are painted a chalk white for the color of the spirit. The spirits incarnated are mostly those of deceased maidens and their mothers in the North. Toward the east Ibo are known for their masquerades. The forms of these masks are based on tradition and the theme changes yearly. Gods The Igbo believe in a supreme got they call, Chukwu.No sacrifices are made to Chukwu but he is thought to be the ultimate receiver of sacrifices made to minor gods.These minor gods are mainly subject to human passions and weaknesses, (kind, industrious, treacherous, and envious, ect.). The Igbo people’s Chi is believed to be their own spiritual assistant or guardian. Their guardian is credited with that individuals fate may it be successes, misfortunes, or failures. The Chi is thought to be a part of God in a man. The Kola nut is a major symbol of hospitality to the Igbo people. There are three very important steps that come with the nut…if not followed one is penaliized by village elders. 1. The presentation of the nut. 2. Breaking the nut. 3. The distribution of the Kola nut. media type="youtube" key="sbS_dIx_3Hc?fs=1" height="346" width="432" This is a video of an Igbo Masquerade.
 * Masks** [[image:Igbo_mask.jpg width="155" height="168" caption="This is one of many different masks that the Igbo people make. "]]
 * Chi **
 * Symbols **

For more information on the [|Igbo Religion] please click here.

SOURCES "Kola-Nut -- Symbol of Hospitality." //Igbo People of Nigeria//. Web. 09 Nov. 2010. []. Basden, G.t. "Igbo Mythology." //Словари и энциклопедии на Академике//. Web. 09 Nov. 2010. []. "Igbo - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major Holidays, Rites of Passage, Relationships, Living Conditions." //Countries and Their// //Cultures//. Web. 09 Nov. 2010. []. "Ibo." "Ibo." //African Art Museum. Tribal Masks and Statues of Africa.// Web. 09 Nov. 2010. [].