Igbo Culture

In Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe explores the complex social structure of Ibo culture. Taking place in Nigeria during the turn of the eighteenth century, Achebe shows how women were both revered and oppressed. Held in high esteem by worship, connection to god, and societal customs; the Ibo women were oppressed by power structures

The most revered gods of the Ibo culture were women. As a sign of respect, the Ibo celebrated[PER1] “[t]he Feast of the New Yam was held every year… to honor the earth goddess” (Achebe 31). They deem the earth goddess important enough to recognize and honor every year. She deserves more than just one time recognition, she must be celebrated annually. The Ibo believed Ani to be “the earth goddess and source of all fertility. Ani played a greater part in the life of the people than any other diety” (Achebe 31). Her power is so influential ____________________________. Her ______ to the earth was ________________“every man whose arm was strong, as the Ibo people say, was expected to invite large numbers of guests from far and wide” (Achebe 31) …show more content…
Men are unable to fill this position. The first Oracle we encounter was found when “Unoka, had gone to consult Agbala. The priestess in those days was a woman named Chika” (Achebe 14). We discover_____________. We discover the next priestess when Ekwefi ______ “[t]he woman with whom she talked with was called Chielo. She was the priestess of Agbala” (Achebe 42). Chielo, the second woman Oracle, acts as a liaison between Agbala and the people. When Chielo comes for Enzima she says, "Agbala greets you. Where is my daughter, Ezinma? Agbala wants to see her" (Achebe