Omenala Ikpu Ozu Akwa n’Agụlụ: N’Oge Gboo na Oge Ugbua

Abstract

Igbo traditional rites are among the things that distinqush themfrom other nations. These rites are considered as parts of Igbotraditional practices. The elders are expected to be the custodiansof the Igbo valuable traditional practices. Some burial rites andceremonies are exceptional and given special meaning andattention. Covering the corpse with wrapper before it is buried isone of the Igbo traditional burial rites. Most Igbo communitiesincluding Agụlụ perform this rite for their deceased but the modusoperandi is peculiar to each community. Some people see thisburial rite as an inherited tradition but are ignorant of what itentails. The objectives of this study include highlighting thisburial rite “covering the corpse with wrapper” and making thepublic know about it. It also intends to x-ray the rite and knowwhy Agụlụ community cover corpse with wrapper before buryingit. The theoretical framework was anchored on SymbolicInteractionism. Research method used was descriptive and surveymethod. Among the findings of this study is that covering thecorpse with wrapper symbolizes good relationship between thedeceased and those covering it. It also finds out that somedeceased are not entitled to this rite. The study recommends thatIgbo people promote and project their culture rather thanjettisoning their ways of life in quest for foreign cultures. It isequally important that Igbo anthropology scholars persistentlyresearch on the essence of most Igbo traditional practices whichwill aid continuous promotion of Igbo culture.