PORTRAIT 15 - THE MONARCHICAL SYSTEM

PATTERNS OF GOVERNMENT THE MONARCHICAL SYSTEM

The second part in the examination of patterns of government focuses on the Nigerian groups with a monarchical tradition. The similarities and contrasts in the levels of administration, the aura of the monarch, the checks and balances, the organs of government and their functions are explored. The programme also examines theories and oral traditions that suggest close links in the origins of monarchies among different Nigerian groups. 

                                  

                                                             The Oba of Benin

                                

PORTRAIT 14 - NON CENTRALISED SOCIETIES

PATTERNS OF GOVERNMENT- NON CENTRALISED SOCIETIES

Is the first part of our focus on the patterns of traditional government among Nigerian groups. It is an exploration into the system of government among the peoples that Western writers used to refer to as “Tribes without Rulers”, that is to say the non – centralized societies.

The notion of the traditional ruler and chieftaincy may today have become a common phenomenon, thanks to colonialism which gave chieftaincy special boost. Among groups like the core and the Tiv, chieftaincy and centralized government is a recent development.

The programme focuses on the pattern of effects government by elders, councils. Secret societies, oracles and other institutions of administration among peoples that had no ancient traditional centralized monarchical rule.

           

                                                                    Igbo Red Cap Chiefs

PORTRAIT 13 - BIRTHS AND DEATHS

Looks at the events of Births and Deaths among Nigerian groups and how almost without exception such events spell a series of rites and ceremonies they themselves emphasize the communal nature of our existence. The event that marks births and deaths are strong factors of our sociability and evidence of our interdependence. The programme also examines in different Nigerian cultures the social implications of both occurrences, as well as the impact that Islam, Christianity and Westernization have had on the enduring, though changing rites and ceremonies that attend the new addition to a family and the passing away of a loved one.

PORTRAIT 12 - MARRAIGE: A UNION OF FAMILIES

      PROGRAMME TEN

Explores the institutions of marriage as a cultural and traditional phenomenon. Despite changes brought about especially by Christianity, the institution of marriage has survived as one of the strongest factors of social integration among all Nigerian peoples.

Marriage remains a fusion of families rather than of individuals. Though the contractual process may vary in details, generally our traditional marriage customs put low priority on LOVE as a factor in determination of who is to marry who. Love is seen as something that develops in married life. 

The programme focuses on similarities and contractual process and examines the varieties of approach in role allocation and government within the traditional household, and the effects of Islam, Christianity and modernity on these.

                                   

                                     A Traditional Engagement Ceremony 

PORTRAIT 11 - MUSIC AND DANCE

Looks at Music, Dance and Musical Instruments. It goes from the contemporary existence of these as entertainment forms to show that like many forms of Nigerian art, traditional Music and Dance fulfill more than aesthetic purposes. Many more often than not, they also serve ritual purposes.

    Musicians playing the talking drum

PORTRAIT 10 - THE TRADITIONAL ECONOMY

PROGRAMME EIGHT

Focuses on the traditional economic systems and organizations, such as the household, age grades, communal labour, savings associations, and markets. The programme takes off from the established premise that before the introduction of  Western economy,  it was not the practice for individuals or indigenous groups in Nigeria to sell their labour outside the constraints of slavery and hostage labour. The family was the basic unit of production.

This was supplemented by communal labour organized at the level of the village or of age sets. The market had other social and cultural significance besides its principal role as a centre of exchange. 

                     House in Owerri Figure of a motor transport magnate and symbols of his (horse) power

This  programme presents the similarities and contrasts in the economic side of the culture of Nigerian peoples which deserve attention as much as modes of worship and styles of dancing.

PORTRAIT 9 - THE RURAL SETTING

PROGRAMME SEVEN

Focuses on RURAL LIFE in Nigeria, its main features, similarities and contrasts. This is in recognition of the fact that despite today’s pervading urbanization, over seventy percent of Nigeria’s estimated 100 million people still live in the rural areas, “far beyond the synthetic and distracting images of urban life.” Theirs is the hard yet simpler life, free of the pervasive heritage of a lifestyle passed on by alien cultures.

The programme highlights the heritage of generations, of our ancestral character and values that are still kept alive. It also looks at the environmental and physical conditions that dictate occupations, lifestyles and such as the features of Nigerian rural life.

                                 

                                                   
                                                                                  Igbo Family Compound