The Igbo People And How They Fell Apart

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The Igbo People and How They Fell Apart From the early 9th century to the late 17th century the Igbo people were a prosperous, intelligent society. Although their culture and ways are very different than the ways of the white man, their civilization lasted centuries until things fell apart. Like many countries of the time they had wars with neighbors, treaties, and trade agreements. The Igbo people believed in many gods, respected the earth, were masters at farming, and created a type of court system. Although their culture and ways were very different than the ways of the white man, their civilization lasted centuries, that is until things fell apart. There is history of the Igbo people from the 9th century, and up until the mid to late 17th century, these people lived in peace and prosperity (Dictionary). The Igbo’s had a very organized way of life. Some of their villages consisted of a few hundred people to a few thousand (Africa). In every village there were meeting places where the entire village held court like trials (Achebe). The Igbo people did not have one ruler for their land or even each village. They relied on the elders to give them knowledge and leadership (Africa). In the Igbo’s court the judges were the “Igwugwu”. The Igwugwu were high titled men of the tribe who dressed up in elaborate costumes and inhabited the spirits of the ancestors to give a court decisions. The Igbo people did this because they believed that their ancestors were wise and would make fair decisions. Many cultures in Africa believed that the older you were the more knowledge you have. In the Igbo culture believes very much that you have to respect your elders. Instead of having a president, king, or ruler the Igbo’s have the elders who lead the clan. The elders are most respected because they have lived longer and experienced more they are more knowledgeable and are
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