Book

Among the Ibos of Nigeria: an account of the curious and interesting habits, customs and beliefs of a little known African people by one who has for many years lived amongst them on close and intimate terms

CassLondon • Published In 1966 • Pages:

By: Basden, George Thomas.

Abstract
This is a record of the author's observations and experiences among the Igbo people during his initial visit to Nigeria in the period of 1900-1920. Although Basden was a keen observer of native customs, especially in regard to material culture, the extent of his actual observations of such things as warfare, human sacrifices, and cannibalism is not clear. It seems likely that much of these data came from native informants. The source touches on all aspects of Igbo ethnography, but is especially detailed on sex status, slavery, funeral rites, yam and palm cultivation, arts and crafts, warfare, religion (including human sacrifice), status achievement, the oracles, and the effects of missionization (last two chapters). (For a more detailed listing of contents, see Category 128, pp. 13-14.) As a whole, the source provides a good general background for more intensive studies on the Igbo.
Subjects
Gender status
Burial practices and funerals
Mourning
Vegetable production
Arboriculture
Prayers and sacrifices
Slavery
Instigation of war
Warfare
Inter-community relations
Magicians and diviners
Judicial authority
Missions
Status, role, and prestige
culture
Igbo
HRAF PubDate
2003
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Types
Missionary
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1980
Field Date
1900-1920
Coverage Date
1900-1920
Coverage Place
Nigeria
Notes
George T. Basden
Includes bibliographical references (p. 307-312) and index
LCCN
66070427
LCSH
Igbo (African people)