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Igbo religion is most present today in harvest ceremonies such as new yam festival (ị́wá jí) and masquerading traditions such as mmanwụ and Ekpe. Remnants of Igbo religious rites spread among African descendants in the Caribbean and North America in era of the Atlantic slave trade.
The Igbo people (English: / ˈ iː b oʊ / EE-boh, [10] [11] US also / ˈ ɪ ɡ b oʊ / IG-boh; [12] [13] also spelled Ibo [14] [15] and historically also Iboe, Ebo, Eboe, [16] Eboans, [17] Heebo; [18] natively Ṇ́dị́ Ìgbò) are an ethnic group in Nigeria. They are primarily found in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. [19]
At the heart of Igbo mythology is the belief in a Supreme God known as Chukwu, who is considered to be the creator of the cosmos as well as all the minor gods that make up the Igbo pantheon. Chukwu is an all-powerful, all-knowing divinity who transcends the multiplicity of gods in Igbo religion.
Igboland’s traditional religion is based on the belief that there is one creator, God, also called Chineke or Chukwu. The creator can be approached through numerous other deities and spirits in the form of natural objects, most commonly through the god of thunder (Amadioha).
Ikenga (Igbo literal meaning "strength of majesty ") is a horned god found among the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria. It is synonymous to the Christians' Angel Michael. It is one of the most powerful symbols of the Igbo people and one of the most common cultural artifact.
The famous Arochukwu oracle, which played a significant role in Igbo religious and political life, was dedicated to Agbala. His priests, known as Dibia, served as the custodians of tradition and divination, providing guidance and solutions to problems through rituals and sacrifices.
Igbo mythology gods and goddesses hold significant roles in the rich cultural tapestry of Nigeria. From the supreme deity Chukwu to deities like Ala, Amadioha, Ikenga, and Anyanwu, these divine beings shape Igbo society and daily life.
