THE IMPACT OF MODERNISM ON IGBO TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS AND IMAGES IN NSUKKA NORTHERN IGBO LAND

                                            ABSTRACT

Although modernism has brought development, (advancement in technology which brings about transformation in human psychological, socio-economical and religio-cultural vibrancy) of many Igbo society, a devastating and opulent living that accrue from the modern life continue militating against the images and objects of worship prevalent in the pre-modern era. Most Igbo religious objects and images have encountered severe trafficking in the hands of indigenes who understand the economic value of these objects and images of worship. Prior to the modern use of money, afufa, anyara, St-Remmy, et cetera in libation, there had been worship and pouring of libation with oji- omenai jikoro ndi igbo onu, nzu, nzu symbolizing purity, ekwe, ogene, et cetera. These pre-colonial object and images of worship are traditionally handed from one generation to another.

It is on this backdrop that the research decides to explore Nsukka Northern Igboland in order to evaluate the extent at which these Igbo/Nsukka traditional religious symbols and images are still used in the 21st century. If invariably, there is a decline in the use and access to these objects. It will critically highlight and also proffer solution towards maintaining a balanced synergy between traditional and modern religious symbols and images. Moreover, these objects are only but object of antiquity that varies in every religion. It is the worldview that makes the different, but the Ultimate reality is reached through this contagious religious objects.

Therefore, phenomenological and observation methodology will be adopted in this study.