The Igbo

Chinua Achebe although raised Christian by his devout parents was always drawn to the Igbo, an ethnic minority in the nation of Nigeria that enjoyed a majority status in Eastern Nigeria. He found their stories and legends lyrical and easy to understand as opposed to the complexities that he experienced in studying Christianity. As Chinua matured and grew more curious about the Igbo, his ancient ancestors, and their cultures and beliefs he began to visit Igbo tribe members to learn more about them.

The Igbo believed in a number of deities. Being raised as a Christian with only one god, Chinua was intrigued by a religion that claimed that while one god might be upset with one’s behavior that person could still be in the good graces of other gods. Chinua liked those odds! He learned how important art was in Igbo belief, something that Chinua...