Anthropological Report on the Ibo-Speaking Peoples of Nigeria: Law and Custom of the Ibo of the Asaba District, S. Nigeria” by Northcote Whitridge Thomas

Overview: “Anthropological Report on the Ibo-Speaking Peoples of Nigeria: Law and Custom of the Ibo of the Asaba District, S. Nigeria” by Northcote Whitridge Thomas is a reprint of a classic anthropological study originally conducted in the early 20th century. Published on August 12, 2021, by HardPress Limited, this book meticulously documents the legal and customary practices of the Ibo (Igbo) people in the Asaba district of southern Nigeria.

Key Themes:

• Cultural Documentation: The book provides a comprehensive overview of the legal systems, social customs, and traditional practices of the Igbo people in Asaba. It serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the societal structures and norms that have shaped Igbo culture.
• Historical Significance: As one of the early anthropological studies of the Igbo, Thomas’s work captures a snapshot of traditional life before significant colonial and post-colonial transformations. It offers historical insights into the continuity and change within Igbo society.
• Preservation of Heritage: This reprint aims to preserve and make accessible an important scholarly work that might otherwise be lost. It highlights the enduring relevance of traditional customs in understanding contemporary Igbo society.

Author’s Perspective: Northcote Whitridge Thomas, a British anthropologist, conducted extensive fieldwork in Nigeria during the early 1900s. His observations and recordings provide a detailed account of the intricate social and legal systems of the Igbo people, contributing significantly to the field of African anthropology.

Publication Details:

• Format: Paperback
• Print Length: 267 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0461709783
• ISBN-13: 978-0461709780
• Publication Date: August 12, 2021
• Dimensions: 5.98 x 0.56 x 9.02 inches
• Publisher: HardPress Limited

Audience: This book is essential for scholars, historians, and students of African studies, anthropology, and colonial history. It is also valuable for anyone interested in the traditional legal and social systems of the Igbo people.

Conclusion: “Anthropological Report on the Ibo-Speaking Peoples of Nigeria” is a meticulously detailed and historically significant work that offers profound insights into the traditional customs and legal practices of the Igbo people of Asaba. Northcote Whitridge Thomas’s study remains a cornerstone in the field of African anthropology, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of Igbo society. This reprint ensures that Thomas’s important contributions are accessible to new generations of readers and researchers, preserving a vital part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.