ARTS & CULTURE

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on Facing Racism in America

Published

7 years ago

November 20, 2017

FAB.NG

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on Facing Racism in America

In a recent interview with David Remnick of The New Yorker, acclaimed novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie talks about her experience being black in America.

According to her, because of how being black was perceived in America, she once backed away from blackness when a black man referred to her as his sister.

However, Chimamanda said she has embraced her identity and in no way does she feel ‘white.’

She said,

With Americanah I was free, I wanted to break the rules, I didn’t want to be dutiful. I wanted to write about my take on America and much of it was about race.

“Much of the writing about race I found to be dishonest. I would read some fiction and I would be like ‘No’, and it seemed to me also quite ideological, that idea that you know the sort of thing that race is just a social construction, all of that.

Racism I found funny, absurd, infuriatin. The first time I wrote an essay in my class, my very first essay and at the time I used my initial and my last name and my last name could be anything some people tell me sometimes it could be italian. So the professor came into the class and said who wrote this essay?

And he called my name and I raised my hand and he looked surprised and even though it was a very small moment, that’s when I knew what being black meant, it meant that you’re not supposed to write the best essay in class if you are black it meant that black achievement is considered so rare.

And I was so irritated by that because for me growing up in Nigeria, black achievement is ordinary. And there was a part of me that wanted to say this man – really I was saying it in my head “you’re stupid.

I remember once a black guy referred to me as sister and my first reaction was “No, no, no, I’m not your sister. It was me backing away from blackness because I knew being black in America is a bad thing. So, in some ways, my denying my sisterhood with him is an indictment of American rasicm. If being black in America didn’t come with a lot of crap, I wouldn’t have said that. And now I want to find him and hug him and so, I am so your sister.

I remember in college I was in a class and I was the only black person and I remember somebody saying the black girl, and I thought oh that’s what I am the black girl – that’s thrust on you but I think it kind of that internalizing of that identity you need to do consciously and I did that by reading African American history by trying to understand because I really didn’t understand America. I didn’t understand in the my first two weeks why the two black people in one of my classes got offended when somebody said something about watermelons

Related Topics:Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on Facing Racism in America

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ARTS & CULTURE

Iru Mgbede: A Traditional Igbo Bridal Fattening & Beautification Ritual

Published

15 hours ago

November 30, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Iru Mgbede: Igbo Bridal Fattening & Beautification Ritual | fab.ng

Iru Mgbede, a significant Igbo cultural practice, is a traditional ritual. This beautification ritual is designed to prepare and beautify a bride before her marriage.

The groom chooses to undertake this practice if he desires and can afford it. The family pampers the bride with luxurious traditional beauty treatments during her seclusion. She stays away from household chores during this time.

These include the application of “Uhie,” a special form of makeup, and a diet of the finest foods. The ritual typically lasts for three months.

Throughout the Iru Mgbede, the bride resides in seclusion, sleeping on a traditional hanging bed known as the “Uko bed.” She forgoes modern attire and instead dons the “Ogodo,” a traditional garment.

As part of the beautification process, she generously applies palm oil to her skin and adorns herself with “Mgbaji,” intricate beaded ornaments worn over the Ogodo.

To occupy her time and entertain herself during seclusion, the bride often plays traditional Igbo musical instruments like the “Ekpete,” “Ibekwe,” or “Ebele Ububo.”

The music serves to attract children, who frequently gather around her, providing a sense of connection to the outside world.

The Iru Mgbede culminates in a grand and extravagant ceremony to showcase the bride’s beauty to the community.

In a procession known as “Ifu Ahia Mgbede,” the bride is paraded through the market. She does this while adorned in her finest attire and accompanied by her friends and peers.

This public display is a celebration of her beauty and marks the final stage of her bridal preparations.

Beyond its aesthetic purpose, the Iru Mgbede holds deep cultural significance. It symbolises the transition of a young woman into a wife and mother, and it reinforces traditional Igbo values and customs.

The ritual also serves as a bonding experience for the bride and her community, fostering a sense of belonging and shared tradition.

In recent years, the Iru Mgbede has faced challenges due to changing societal norms and economic pressures. Communities and cultural organisations are working to preserve this heritage.

They document traditional practices, launch revival initiatives, and engage local residents in preservation efforts.

By understanding and appreciating the Iru Mgbede, we can ensure that this significant aspect of Igbo culture continues to thrive for generations to come.

If you would like to read more on culture, click here.

ARTS & CULTURE

Here Are The 5 Oldest Tribes In Nigeria

Published

1 week ago

November 23, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Over 250 ethnic groups thrive within Nigeria, making it one of Africa’s most ethnically diverse countries. Among these ethnic groups, some of the oldest tribes in Nigeria have survived for centuries, passing down their rich heritage despite the pressures of modernization.

Furthermore, these tribes have protected their traditions and maintained their ways of life, reflecting their resilience.

In this article, we dive into the histories of the five oldest tribes in Nigeria, exploring how they have upheld their cultural legacies.

1. The Nok Tribe

The Nok people are widely recognized as one of the oldest tribes in Nigeria. They lived around the area now known as Northern Nigeria. The Nok civilization dates back to around 1000 BC, making it one of the earliest known cultures in West Africa.

The Nok people are famous for their advanced artistry, particularly their terracotta sculptures. These sculptures, often depicting human figures, animals, and mythical creatures, are intricate and detailed.

Archaeologists have found these artifacts in present-day Kaduna, Jos, and parts of Kwara State.

Historical Contributions:

The Nok tribe is credited with pioneering iron smelting in West Africa.
They were skilled in making tools, weapons, and ornaments using iron.
Their artistic influence can still be seen in the craftsmanship of modern Nigerian tribes.

Though the Nok civilization eventually faded, its influence remains significant. The tribe’s artistic legacy provides insight into the early development of societies in Nigeria.

2. The Yoruba Tribe

The Yoruba tribe is one of the largest and most influential ethnic groups in Nigeria. Their history dates back over a thousand years, with roots tracing to the ancient city of Ile-Ife. According to Yoruba mythology, Ile-Ife is the birthplace of humanity, where the world began.

The Yorubas have a well-organized society with a rich cultural heritage. They are known for their elaborate festivals, colorful attire, and intricate beadwork. The Yoruba people are also renowned for their contributions to art, music, and religion.

Cultural Significance:

The Yoruba are famous for their traditional religion, which has influenced spiritual practices across the world, especially in the Americas.

They have a rich pantheon of gods known as “Orishas,” who govern different aspects of life.
The Yoruba language and culture have spread beyond Nigeria to countries like Brazil, Cuba, and the United States due to the transatlantic slave trade.

The Yorubas have maintained a strong cultural identity, preserving their language, customs, and traditions over the centuries.

3. The Igbo Tribe

The Igbo people are another ancient and significant ethnic group in Nigeria. The Igbos primarily inhabit the southeastern region of Nigeria.

Historians believe that the Igbo civilization dates back to 9th century AD, but their roots may stretch much further into antiquity.

The Igbos are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, love for education, and democratic systems of governance.

Historically, they practiced a decentralized system of government where communities were ruled by elders and title holders. This system, known as “Igbo-Ukwu,” is one of the oldest forms of democracy in Africa.

Notable Achievements:

The Igbo are skilled in arts and crafts, particularly in pottery, weaving, and wood carving.
They are famous for their mask festivals, colorful dances, and masquerade performances.
The Igbo language, customs, and traditions have been preserved despite colonization and the Nigerian Civil War.

The Igbos have a rich cultural heritage that continues to influence Nigerian culture and beyond.

4. The Kanuri Tribe

The Kanuri people are predominantly found in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State. They are one of the oldest tribes in Nigeria, with their roots tracing back to the Kanem-Bornu Empire, which existed as early as the 9th century AD.

This empire was a powerful Islamic state that played a significant role in West African trade, politics, and religion.

The Kanuri were instrumental in spreading Islam in Nigeria, and today, most of them practice the Islamic faith. They are known for their elaborate traditional ceremonies, especially during Islamic festivals.

Historical Contributions:

The Kanuri people contributed to the development of education and trade in the region, establishing schools and learning centers.
They were skilled horsemen and warriors, which helped them defend their empire against invasions.
The Kanuri language remains widely spoken in Borno and parts of neighboring countries like Niger and Chad.

Despite the challenges of modern times, including the impact of insurgencies in the northeast, the Kanuri people continue to uphold their traditions.

5. The Fulani Tribe

The Fulani, also known as the Fula or Fulbe, are among the oldest and most widely spread ethnic groups in West Africa. Fulani people are traditionally nomadic herders, traders, and warriors.

Their presence in Nigeria dates back to the 11th century when they began migrating from the Senegambia region.

The Fulani are known for their distinctive cultural practices, including their elegant clothing, rich music, and intricate hairstyles.

They played a major role in the spread of Islam in Nigeria, especially through the Fulani Jihad led by Usman dan Fodio in the early 19th century.

Cultural Highlights:

The Fulani are famous for their “Wuro,” traditional settlements where they practice a nomadic lifestyle.
They have a unique cultural festival known as “Sharo,” where young men undergo a public flogging ceremony to prove their manhood.
The Fulani language, known as Fulfude, is spoken across many West African countries.

Today, while many Fulani have settled in towns and cities, a significant number still maintain their pastoral lifestyle.

Nigeria’s oldest tribes have significantly shaped the country’s cultural, social, and historical landscape. Each tribe has preserved its unique identity, contributing to the rich tapestry of Nigerian culture.

Nonetheless, from the Nok people’s ancient artistry to the Fulani’s enduring nomadic traditions, these tribes continue to inspire pride and unity among Nigerians.

Understanding the history and contributions of these tribes helps to appreciate Nigeria’s diverse heritage. These tribes have not only survived the test of time but have also influenced many aspects of Nigerian life, from language to religion and art.

ARTS & CULTURE

Why Ancient Africans Were Naked And Didn’t Care About “Decency”

Published

2 weeks ago

November 16, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Why Ancient Africans Were Naked And Didn't Care... | fab.ng

In understanding why ancient Africans were naked, it’s essential to consider the practical and cultural factors. The hot climate in many regions, particularly West Africa, made full clothing impractical, leading people to adopt minimal attire.

Additionally, why ancient Africans were naked also ties into the normalcy of nudity in their societies; it was not seen as indecent but rather as a natural part of life.

Moreover, why ancient Africans were naked often related to social customs where clothing was reserved for specific ceremonies or status indicators.

As colonial influences grew, European ideals of modesty reshaped these traditional practices. Nevertheless, understanding why ancient Africans were naked would highlight a deeper connection to their environment, social norms, and identity.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, asserts that “nakedness is not in our culture,” reflecting a modern interpretation of cultural values. However, historical evidence reveals that the concept of clothing and nudity in Africa was much more complex and diverse.

Let’s take a detailed look at some of the historical reasons ancient Africans were naked and didn’t care…

1. Clothing in Hot Weather

In ancient African societies, especially in regions like West Africa, the hot and humid climate made it impractical to wear heavy or fully covered clothing.

People adapted to their environment by wearing minimal clothing to stay cool. Women typically wore wrappers around their waists or occasionally over their chests, while men donned aprons or loincloths.

Full-body coverings were rare and often reserved for specific occasions or elder members of the community. The emphasis was on comfort and practicality rather than modesty.

2. Nudity Was Culturally Normal

Contrary to the notion that nudity was taboo, many African cultures viewed it as entirely normal and even symbolic. This acceptance of nudity is reflected in the art of the time, where sculptures, carvings, and masks often depicted the human form in its natural state.

These representations were not considered indecent but rather celebrated as part of the human experience.

Furthermore, even today, several traditional festivals in Nigeria and South Africa feature women participating in rituals while partially or fully nude, emphasizing that nudity was a culturally accepted practice in certain contexts.

3. Ceremonial and Symbolic Clothing

In ancient African societies, clothing was less about everyday modesty and more about symbolism and status. Dress codes were used to indicate social class, gender, or cultural identity.

Jewellery, headgear, and specific garments were reserved for elders, chiefs, or individuals of higher status, while everyday clothing remained minimal for the general population.

During ceremonies such as weddings, people would wear elaborate attire that covered more of their bodies, but this was primarily for symbolic reasons rather than for modesty in daily interactions.

Colonial Influence on African Clothing Norms

The introduction of European colonial rule brought drastic changes to how Africans viewed clothing. Europeans, with their Christian ideals of modesty, often regarded African practices of minimal clothing or nudity as barbaric.

They imposed their standards of dress as part of their broader civilizing mission. This was particularly targeted at women, who were often sexualized and criticized for their traditional attire, or lack thereof.

From the 15th century onwards, as Europeans increased trade and colonization, they brought new fabrics, styles, and notions of modesty. Indigenous African attire evolved, incorporating textiles like cotton, wool, raffia, and later, wax prints.

These wax prints, now synonymous with African fashion (commonly known as Ankara), were not originally African but were influenced by the Dutch colonization of Indonesia in the 19th century.

Africans embraced these textiles and adapted them to fit their cultural identity, eventually making them integral to modern African fashion.

In Conclusion…

Today’s perspectives often emphasize modesty as an intrinsic cultural value. However, historical evidence shows that ancient Africans had a much more fluid and practical approach to clothing.

For them, attire was primarily about status, identity, and specific ceremonies, not necessarily about covering the body for decency.

The shift towards the modern view of modesty largely came about due to colonial influences, which reshaped traditional practices to align with Western standards.

So, while the First Lady’s statement aligns with current societal norms, it doesn’t entirely reflect the historical diversity of African clothing practices.

As it is understood today, the notion of modesty is a relatively recent development influenced by colonialism and the spread of Christianity and Islam across the continent.

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