Igbo People
The Igbo people are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, primarily residing in southeastern Nigeria.
Their population exceeds 30 million, and they are known for their vibrant culture, communal spirit, traditions, festivals, and achievements in agriculture, commerce, crafts, and academia.
The Igbo briefly declared independence as the “Republic of Biafra” in the late 1960s.
Igbo Flag and Symbols
Uli Patterns
Key Symbols
・Traditional body and wall art, often created by Igbo women, symbolizing nature, life, and harmony.
Igbo Masks (Mgbedike)
・Unique masks used in festivals and ceremonies, embodying spirits and ancestors.
Language
・Name： Igbo
・Language Family： Niger–Congo > Atlantic–Congo > Benue–Congo
・Speakers： Over 30 million (mainly Nigeria)
・Grammar： SVO (Subject–Verb–Object), tonal language (meaning changes with tone), uses various affixes and tenses.
Script
Writing System
・Script:：Latin alphabet (modern standard for writing Igbo)
・Traditional script：Nsibidi, a pictographic system, also influenced Igbo culture, though not used for modern writing.
▶Igbo Alphabet
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Common Igbo Greetings and Phrases
| English | Igbo | Pronunciation | |||
| Hello | Ndewo | n-DEH-woh | |||
| Good morning | Ụtụtụ ọma | oo-TOO-too OH-ma | |||
| Thank you | Daalụ | DAH-loo | |||
| Nice to meet you | Jisie ike | JEE-see EH-keh | |||
| Good night | Ka chi fo | kah CHEE foh | |||
| Delicious | Ọ dị ụtọ | aw DEE oo-TOH | |||
| Fun/Enjoyable | Ọ dị m mma | aw DEE mm MAH |
Note
“Ndewo” is a universal greeting. “Jisie ike” also means “good luck” or “take care.”
Region
Continent: Africa
Region: Southeastern Nigeria (Enugu, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi states)
Diaspora: Smaller Igbo communities exist in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and worldwide (especially the US and UK).
Language Origin
Language Origin & Historical Background
・Igbo is an ancient language of West Africa, believed to have been spoken for thousands of years.
・It was standardized during British colonial rule, but many dialects remain.
・The Igbo worldview features “Chi”—a personal spirit or destiny—and a rich oral tradition.
Traditional Games
For Children
Okwe
A traditional board game using stones or shells, related to the “Mancala” family common across Africa.
Ube
A seed/fruit game similar to marbles or jacks.
For Adults
Iko Ogu
Village wrestling matches, testing strength and courage.
Masquerade Dance
Dancers wearing masks perform to traditional music at festivals and rituals.
Introduction video
Summary
・The Igbo are a major ethnic group in Nigeria, numbering over 30 million.
・Uli patterns and masks are cultural symbols.
・Igbo is a tonal Niger–Congo language with many unique expressions.
・Rich in traditional games like Okwe, wrestling, and masquerade dancing.