Igbo Art And Culture: And Other Essays

The Afikpo Chronicles

Igbo Art And Culture: And Other Essays is a monumental collection of writings by Simon Ottenberg, the anthropologist who dedicated his career to studying the Afikpo (Ehugbo) people of the Cross River Igbo area. This volume compiles over forty years of research, offering an unparalleled depth of insight into a specific Igbo sub-group that differs significantly from the central Igbo traditions. Ottenberg’s work is characterized by his 'thick description' method—immersing himself in the daily life, politics, and rituals of the village to understand the art from the inside out.

The Double Descent System

A key theme in Ottenberg's research is the unique social structure of Afikpo, which practices 'double descent'—tracing lineage through both the father (patrilineal) and the mother (matrilineal). The essays explore how this dual loyalty influences social organization and artistic production. He explains how the matrilineal clans control certain productive resources and spiritual cults, while the patrilineal groups manage land and residential compounds. This structural tension provides the backdrop for the masquerade societies, which are used by men to assert their authority in a complex social web.

The Okumkpa Masquerade

The centerpiece of the book is the detailed analysis of the Okumkpa play. Ottenberg describes this as a form of 'village theatre'—a satirical masquerade performance where masked spirits openly criticize living community members. He documents how the masqueraders use humor, songs, and skits to expose scandals, check the abuse of power by elders, and mock foolish behavior. This section illuminates the democratic nature of Igbo society, where even the most powerful leaders are subject to public critique through the medium of art.

Aesthetics and Gender

Ottenberg delves into the aesthetics of the masks themselves, distinguishing between the 'ugly' dark masks that represent aggression and dangerous spirits, and the 'beautiful' light-colored masks that represent maiden spirits and moral purity. He discusses the exclusion of women from the secret societies while simultaneously highlighting their central role as the audience and the subject matter of the art. The essays also touch on the psychology of the initiation rites, explaining how boys are transformed into men through their introduction to the secrets of the mask.

Scholarly Impact

This volume is a masterclass in African art history. It moves beyond the visual appreciation of objects to the social dynamics that create them. Ottenberg’s writing validates the complexity of Afikpo civilization, showing that their 'primitive' art was actually part of a sophisticated system of law, education, and entertainment. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the Cross River region and the anthropology of art.