Athletics and Entertainment
Igbo traditional Wrestling & ENtertainment
In Igbo culture, wrestling is one of the primary forms of
entertainment. Wrestling tournaments were contests of strength and skill and
gave one the opportunity to distinguish him or herself in his or her village.
Acclaimed wrestlers earned the respect and admiration of those in their
communities.
And while wrestling is a popular form of entertainment, it is not just used for amusement. For example, wrestling can be used to settle upon a prospective suitor for a girl. In such a case, a tournament may be formed, and the victorious wrestler wins the girl's hand in marriage. In addition, inter-village wrestling competitions were (and still are) quite common. Each village has its own wrestling area and during competition, wrestlers are grouped according to their ability. Spectators circle the wrestlers to form a ring and the competition begins between with the two primary wrestlers from the two villages.
It should be noted that wrestling was not just limited to men in Igbo culture: women often participated as well. There were a number of occasions in which women wrestled, such as Mgba Akpukpa and Ocho. Mgba Akpukpa is a contest that literally translates to “maize” and occurs during July and August when maize is primarily eaten. From young girls to soon-to-be brides, women of all ages participated in this event.
And while wrestling is a popular form of entertainment, it is not just used for amusement. For example, wrestling can be used to settle upon a prospective suitor for a girl. In such a case, a tournament may be formed, and the victorious wrestler wins the girl's hand in marriage. In addition, inter-village wrestling competitions were (and still are) quite common. Each village has its own wrestling area and during competition, wrestlers are grouped according to their ability. Spectators circle the wrestlers to form a ring and the competition begins between with the two primary wrestlers from the two villages.
It should be noted that wrestling was not just limited to men in Igbo culture: women often participated as well. There were a number of occasions in which women wrestled, such as Mgba Akpukpa and Ocho. Mgba Akpukpa is a contest that literally translates to “maize” and occurs during July and August when maize is primarily eaten. From young girls to soon-to-be brides, women of all ages participated in this event.
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Two Questions:
To what extent does Okonkwo's influence stem from his wrestling prowess? Why is wrestling so popular in Igbo culture? |
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Another popular form of entertainment was Igbo music which is often characterized as being lively and upbeat. Typically, traditional music was used in celebrations (e.g. weddings), sacred rituals (e.g. funerals), and for sports and labor. The drum was the most important instrument used by the Igbo and was widely used at events. The Udu drum, otherwise known as the talking drum, is the most popular form of drum among the Igbo as it is applicable to a vast array of events.
WORKS CITED
Agbogun, James. "Wrestling: Igbo Traditional Wrestling." The Nigeria. NIGERIA, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
"Ethnic Wrestling Forms." Traditional Wrestling of the Igbo People. LeVV, 11 Dec. 2012. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
"Igbo Traditional Music and Musical Instruments." Nairaland. Oluwaseun Osewa, 11 Oct. 2013. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
Agbogun, James. "Wrestling: Igbo Traditional Wrestling." The Nigeria. NIGERIA, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
"Ethnic Wrestling Forms." Traditional Wrestling of the Igbo People. LeVV, 11 Dec. 2012. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
"Igbo Traditional Music and Musical Instruments." Nairaland. Oluwaseun Osewa, 11 Oct. 2013. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.