THINGS FALL APART

Chinua Achebe From Ogidi, Igboland, Nigeria Grew up in a hybrid of Igbo and Colonial cultures/religions Went to University College in Nigeria Wrote multiple novels about colonization and independence of Nigeria (in English)

Things Fall Apart Written in 1959 Takes place in late 1890’s in Igboland (South Eastern Nigeria) Explores ruinous social and cultural consequences of arrival of European missionaries/colonists Response to traditional depiction of Africa in European literature Has received countless awards, millions of copies published

Igbo = Ibo (tribe in Nigeria)

Igbo Village Set-up Lived in small, dispersed compounds (tiny clusters of huts) by family Village group made up of many families, shared common market, meeting place, beliefs/rituals Village groups ruled by council of elders, heads of compounds (all male)

Hierarchy of the Village Titles signify certain achievements,/authorit y Local customs used to signify rank (i.e. red/black cap, walking stick, elephant tusk) Chief = Igwe

Igbo People Second largest group of people living in Southern Nigeria Consist of many subgroups, unified in language Igbo law rooted in complex ethical principles, enforced by elders

Courtship/Marriage 1. Ask woman’s consent 2. Negotiate via middleman 3. Test bride’s character 4. Dowry Family/clan affair Full courtship and family approval before betrothal Marriage process is long/elaborate (takes several years) Dowry is token of appreciation for loss of daughter

Igbo Family Polygamist; men successful if they can provide for multiple wives/families Family relationships guided by hierarchy/seniority Family’s honor affected by actions of members

Igbo Children Required to be obedient, never contradict parents Males inherit all, responsible for welfare of siblings

Role of Wife Role remains shaky until birth of child At that time, becomes responsible as housewife and labeled as wife Ranked in order of marriage due to polygamist traditions

Welcoming visitors (Kola Nuts) Kola Nuts – used traditionally as symbol of hospitality (handed out by elder) Present, Break, Hand out (more breaks = more prosperity) Prayer to ancestors for good health and peace

Igbo Farming Economy depends on root-crop farming – Yams, Cassava, Taro Men clear brush, women/children plant and maintain New Yam Festival (Iwa Ji) to celebrate harvest Elder eats Yams first, then offering to God, then everyone eats Rituals symbolize wealth, prosperity

Modern Igbo Culture Many have left Nigeria Often influenced by many cultures Traditions maintained