Not all deities were transformed in Igboland: a cultural history of the Api-Opi deity
Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
ISSN: 2044-1266
Article publication date: 14 February 2022
Issue publication date: 15 March 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the cultural history of the Api-Opi deity in Opi, Nsukka, Enugu State of Nigeria. The study sets out to examine the re-emergence of youthful worshippers of Api-Opi, despite the penetration of Christianity in the area.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed ethnographic observation and field visits to the shrine of Api-Opi in Opi community of Enugu State, Nigeria. In addition, this study uncovers new information drawn from semi-structured interview questions undertaken in the study area between March and October of 2019.
Findings
Against certain claims on the impact of Christianity on Africa's traditional religions, the study found that the Api-Opi deity has withstood these post-colonial changes, growing its followership, particularly amongst the youths. It demonstrated the resilience of Igbo Traditional Worship System even in the midst of culture clash and religious iconoclasm advanced by Christianity in Igboland, Nigeria.
Originality/value
Evidence from this study helps debunk the notions of Eurocentric scholars who say African traditional religions are fetish, barbaric or primitive. It also shows how indigenous communities have protected and preserved their religious heritage despite the wave of modernization and other eternal influences. The study contributes to the increasing conversations about the role of traditional religion in the cultural resilience/revitalization of indigenous communities.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Library and our interviewees for their cooperation throughout this study. We also thank Dr. Uche Okonkwo, who assisted the researchers with relevant books for this study.
Citation
Isiani, M.C., Onyemechalu, S.J., Osinem, S.C., Dimelu, S.A. and Obi-Ani, N.A. (2024), "Not all deities were transformed in Igboland: a cultural history of the Api-Opi deity", Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 190-204. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-07-2021-0132
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited