‘MBOM-UZO’: AN AFRICAN IDENTITY IN IGBO COSMOLOGY

Abstract

When the question of African Identity is applied to persons or societies, it touches on a comprehensive and coherent sense of self. Thus, while including the element of uniqueness that gives rise to self-confidence and a sense of self-worth, the question of identity in Africa must ultimately touch on the issue of commonality. This is true with Africa, her culture and her people. African mode of thought and lifestyle are co-operative and not egoistic, inclusivistic and not exclusivistic. We and not I, is the law of African life. It is relatedness that characterizes the African experience of the other. Relatedness is one of intentionality. The Westernized African is fast following the track of the Western Society that has since lost the sense of relatedness in their bid to classify and distinguish. This Westernized African must be called to order before it is too late. To do this, African culture especially the 'Mbom-Uzo' festival in Igboland which reflects the true, real and holistic African world-view comes into play. This festival therefore should and must be brought to the fore especially the aspect that encourages and enhances communality in Igbo land and indeed Africa. The researcher has adopted the documented, interview and observation methods in the collection of data. This work in the main has adopted the descriptive, phenomenological and sociological approaches in solving the problem already set out. 'Mbom-Uzo' festival in Igboland does not only represent an African Identity amongst the celebrants but has remained till date a veritable part of the African culture which must be cherished and thus preserved. This is the truth, and it must be told.