Misplaced Pages

#993006

45-530: Ijaw may refer to: Ijaw people Ijaw languages Topics referred to by the same term [REDACTED] This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Ijaw . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ijaw&oldid=1006063046 " Category : Disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description

90-571: A stratified society , some clans are believed not to have had any centralized confederacies until the arrival of the British. Individual communities in the western Niger Delta also had chiefs and governments at the village level. For women, there are traditional rights of passage throughout life, marked with iria ceremonies . Funeral ceremonies, particularly for those who have accumulated wealth and respect, are often very dramatic. Traditional religious practices center around "Water spirits" in

135-641: A battle against the Europeans. Though a short lived victory, a huge precedent was set by way of this. King Frederick William Koko (Mingi VIII) of the Nembe-Brass Kingdom (1853–1898) led a successful attack on the British Royal Niger Company trading post in 1895. King Koko also took over 40 British people as hostages, whom he later allegedly ate . King Koko was offered a settlement for his grievances, but he  found

180-405: A canoe and fabrics like Ankara, Hollandis, or George, among other items. However, the cash portion of the dowry is not paid in full upfront. When the bride’s father passes away, the groom is expected to pay the remaining cash balance as part of his contribution to the funeral expenses. In this marriage system, children trace their lineage through either their mother’s or father’s side, allowing them

225-497: A distinguished look, often worn over a wrapper or trousers. The George wrapper , a long piece of luxurious fabric such as Hollandis or George , is tied around the waist and drapes elegantly to the ankles or knees, often adorned with intricate patterns. Men complete their look with a hat, such as a fedora or bowler, adding a touch of sophistication. They also carry a walking stick, typically made from wood and designed with intricate carvings, which adds an element of status. Coral beads in

270-515: A maritime people, many Ijaws were employed in the merchant shipping sector in the early and mid-20th century (pre-Nigerian Independence). With the advent of oil and gas exploration in their territory, some are now employed in that sector. Another major occupation is service in the civil service sector of the Nigerian states of Bayelsa and Rivers , where they are predominant. Extensive state-government sponsored overseas scholarship programs in

315-454: A royal family. This additional dowry serves to compensate the bride's village for the loss of her children. Unlike many other ethnic groups, the Ijaws observe two distinct types of marriage. The first type of marriage, known as the small-dowry marriage, involves the groom making an initial payment to the bride’s family. This payment typically includes cash, traditional beads, and items such as

360-485: A war with the Manilla Pepple House led by Oko Jumbo compelled Jaja to break away to establish Opobo Kingdom (26 miles east of Bonny) in 1869. " Oko Jumbo and Ja Ja were looked upon by every one as being the rulers of Bonny." Opobo came to be a prominent trading post in the region's palm oil trade. Jaja barred entry to European and African middlemen, effectively monopolizing trade , and by 1870

405-399: Is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Language and nationality disambiguation pages Ijaw people They have long lived in locations near many sea trade routes, and they were well connected to other areas by trade as early as the late 14th and early 15th centuries. In their languages, they often refer to themselves using

450-511: Is in the churchyard at St Laurence's Church, Frodsham , Cheshire, United Kingdom. Waribo was sent to Frodsham to be educated at Manor House School. He died a year later from inflammation of the lungs on 21 April 1882, aged 13 or 14. There are two white arrows indicating the way to the Prince's grave. One is at the entrance opposite the Ring O'Bells pub, and the other further down the pathway showing

495-700: The Ijaw people during his time in Bonny. In his youth, Jaja was kidnapped from Igboland , possibly by the Aro Confederacy , and sold into slavery . He was then brought to Bonny thereafter. Jaja earned his way out of slavery after serving his master for a number of years. At the death of his master, he took charge of the trade and went on to head the Anna Pepple House merchant faction of Bonny . Under him, Annie Pepple absorbed other trade houses until

SECTION 10

#1732765277994

540-490: The Namatibi/Feni, Peletebite, Don, and Ojubulu attires . The Don outfit, in particular, holds royal significance. Historically, it was worn primarily by royals and high-ranking individuals. The Don ensemble was heavy on the body and featured an elaborate display of wealth, including a cache of jewels, expensive beads, gold studs, and other coral ornaments. This attire was completed with a stylish hat, further emphasizing

585-460: The endonym Izon . The Izon or Ijaw People have lived in the Niger Delta region since before the fifth millennium BCE, and they were able to keep a separate identity because they lived where the agriculturally dependent Benue-Kwa groups were unable to penetrate. Some of the earliest archeological findings of Ijaw tribes have been dated to as far back as the early 800s BCE. The timeline that

630-470: The 1950s. The Ijaw people live by fishing supplemented by farming paddy - rice , plantains , Cassava , yams , cocoyams , bananas and other vegetables as well as tropical fruits such as guava , mangoes and pineapples ; and trading. Smoke-dried fish, timber , palm oil and palm kernels are processed for export. While some clans (those to the east- Akassa , Nembe , Bille, Kalabari , Nkoro , Okrika , Andoni and Bonny ) had powerful kings and

675-521: The 1970s and 1980s have also led to a significant presence of Ijaw professionals in Europe and North America (the so-called Ijaw diaspora). Another contributing factor to this human capital flight is the abject poverty in their homeland of the Niger Delta , resulting from decades of neglect by the Nigerian government and oil companies in spite of continuous petroleum prospecting in this region since

720-878: The Ahoda regions in Rivers State. The second is the  Eastern Ijaw (Ijo) found in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. They include Kalabari ( Abonnema , Buguma, Degema etc.), Okirika, Ogu , Opobo , Port Harcourt South, Bonny , Finima, Nkoro, Andoni , and Obolo people (part of Andoni) ), who can also be traced to Akwa Ibom State, near the border with Rivers State. Third is the Western Ijaw (Ijo) , found in Delta, Ondo and Edo states. They can be found in Ondo state due to migrations many years prior. The Arogbo Ijaws and

765-513: The Benin monarchy. 'Pere' means king in some of the Ijaw languages. T.T Clan The Ijaws were one of the first of Nigeria's peoples to have contact with Westerners and were active as go-betweens in the trade between visiting Europeans and the peoples of the interior, particularly in the era before the discovery of quinine , when West Africa was still known as the "White Man's Graveyard" because of

810-465: The Bini region, lower Niger and the Niger Delta were aboriginal (i.e. being the first). They are known to be exceptional sea people. In the 12th century, the number of Ijaw states grew, and by the 16th century, the Ijaws formed a number of powerful kingdoms with strong central rule. The Ijaw economy was predominantly supported by fishing, and each clustered group claimed a specific culture and autonomy from

855-646: The British traders, Henry Hamilton Johnston , a British vice consul, invited Jaja for negotiations in 1887. Jaja was arrested on arrival aboard a British vessel; he was tried in Accra in the Gold Coast (now Ghana ) then exiled, first to London, and later to Saint Vincent and Barbados in the British West Indies . His presence in the West Indies was alleged to be the cause of civil unrest, as

900-754: The Ilaje. The clan also shares border with the Arogbo Ijaw to the south of Ondo and the Furupagha Ijaw to the east across the Siloko River. The founding ancestors of the Arogbo were part of the same migration from Ujo-Gbaraun town. After a brief stop at Oproza, led by Eji and his younger brother, Perebiyenmo and sister, Fiyepatei, they went on to Ukparomo (now occupied by the towns of Akpata, Opuba, Ajapa, and Ukpe). They stayed here for some time, about

945-455: The Niger river, and around tribute to ancestors . Marriages among the Ijaw clans are vibrant, lively, and share many cultural similarities. The Ijaw traditional wedding ceremony is a grand celebration that showcases the beauty and diversity of Ijaw culture. The marriage process typically culminates in the payment of a bridal dowry, which increases if the bride comes from a different village or

SECTION 20

#1732765277994

990-624: The Western Apoi tribe of the Ijaw people live in Ondo State, Nigeria. The tribe (also called Ijaw Apoi or Apoi) consists of nine settlements: Igbobini, Ojuala, Ikpoke, Inikorogha, Oboro, Shabomi, Igbotu, Kiribo and Gbekebo. The Apoi inhabited higher ground than most of the other Ijaw tribes. They speak the Yoruba language and Ijaw. They are bordered to the north by the Ikale and to the west by

1035-513: The archaeological excavations provide offers about 3,000 years of evidence of Ijaw history and presence in the Niger Delta. There has been much argument about which tribe in Nigeria is the oldest. The Ijaws started inhabiting the Niger Delta region of what is now Nigeria as far back as 800 BCE, thus making them one of the world's most ancient peoples. They have existed as a distinct language and ethnic group for over 5,000 years. Agadagba-bou,

1080-482: The blouse. The headgear, usually a stiff fabric head tie, is an essential part of the outfit, worn in various stylish formations to complement the blouse and wrappers. Like the men, women wear coral beads—necklaces, bracelets, and earrings—that denote both beauty and social status, completing the look. In addition to the Etibo, George, and other common attire, the Ijaw people also wear special traditional garments such as

1125-409: The endemic presence of malaria , fever and heat. Some of the kin-based trading lineages that arose among the Ijaws developed into substantial corporations which were known as " houses "; each house had an elected leader as well as a fleet of war canoes for use in protecting trade and fighting rivals. The other main occupation common among the Ijaws has traditionally been fishing and farming. Being

1170-403: The father's family. However, this form of marriage rarely practiced. A distinctive feature of the Ijaw traditional wedding ceremony is the bride’s expectation to remain composed and unemotional until she is fully satisfied with the gifts presented by the groom and his family. During this rite, the groom showers the bride with money and valuable items, and she only smiles once she is content with

1215-529: The first ancient Ijaw city-state, existed for more than 400 years, lasting until 1050 CE. Due to internal conflict and violent weather patterns, this city-state was abandoned. Some of the descendants of this city-state created another in the 11th century called Isoma-bou, which lasted until the 16th century. This city-state, like the last, was founded in the Central Delta Wilberforce Island region. The Wilberforce Island region remains

1260-405: The form of necklaces and bracelets (called Ibolo ) are often worn as accessories, symbolizing wealth and social standing. Ijaw women's traditional attire is equally stunning. The blouse is a loose-fitting, long-sleeved garment that is often richly embroidered. Paired with it are wrappers, typically two pieces made from Ankara, Hollandis, or George fabrics , which can be matched or contrasted with

1305-579: The former group of languages being Izon , which is spoken by about nine million people. There are two prominent groupings of the Ijaw language. The first, termed Central Izon (Ijaw) consists of central Ijaw speakers: Tuomo Clan , Egbema, Ekeremor , Sagbama (Ogobiri-Mein) , Bassan , Apoi , Arogbo , Boma (Bumo), Kabo (Kabuowei) , Ogboin, Tarakiri, and Kolokuma-Opokuma. Nembe , Kalabari , Ibani , okrika , Ogbia , Brass and Akassa (Akaha) dialects represent South-eastern Ijo (Izon). Buseni , Epie and Okordia dialects are considered Inland Ijo. It

1350-425: The freedom to choose which heritage, culture, and traditions they wish to follow as they grow older. They can identify with both parents' ethnic backgrounds and live with either family. This form of marriage is the most common and widely practiced across all Ijaw clans. The second type, known as the large-dowry marriage, involves a significantly higher dowry, and in this case, the children are considered to belong to

1395-523: The gifts. This tradition serves as a test of the groom’s love and commitment, as he must prove his ability to provide for her and make her happy. It also serves as a challenge to the bride, demonstrating that she is not easily swayed by material wealth and values her dignity and pride. Another important aspect of the Ijaw wedding celebration is the Bibife , a feast hosted by the bride's family. This event includes lively music, dancing, and performances, marking

Ijaw - Misplaced Pages Continue

1440-508: The government. Each trader purchased as many enslaved people as possible, valuing ability over genetic kinship as most enslaved people's families were split apart and not valued for their rich culture and heritage. Because an able enslaved person could inherit the business of a trader with no heir, it was possible to have (non-Ijaw) leaders who had been born into slavery; such a leader was King Jaja of Opobo . The Ijaw People bought slaves from Igboland , including Jubo Jubogha , an Igbo man, who

1485-460: The joyous union of the couple and celebrating their new life together. The traditional attire of the Ijaw people reflects both elegance and cultural significance, incorporating rich fabrics and intricate accessories that showcase their heritage. For Ijaw men, the Etibo shirt serves as the main garment, typically made from materials like linen, cotton, or brocade. Its high neck and embroidery give it

1530-657: The length of the reign of two Agadagbas ( military priest-rulers of the shrine of Egbesu ). They then moved to the present site of Arogbo. From this place descendants spread out to found the Arogbo Ibe. The Isaba, Kabo, Tuomo, Kumbo, Ogulagha, Patani, and Gbaramatu peoples of Delta state are also part of the Western Ijo subgroups. In Edo state, the Ijo first settled in an area called Ikoro. Their traditional rulers are called Peres and Agadagbas, and are thought to predate

1575-505: The most Ijaw-populated area of Nigeria. The Ijaws are believed by some to be the descendants of an autochthonous people or an ancient tribe of Africa known as the Oru; the Ijaws were originally known by this name (Oru). These were believed to be the aboriginal people of West Africa and the region of Niger/Benue. Before the arrival of Europeans, the Ijo people had about 51 different clans and were trading amongst themselves. Their settlements in

1620-400: The others. They were among the first people in Nigeria to come in contact with Europeans, the earliest explorers arriving in the early 15th century. After contact with European merchants around 1500 CE, communities began trading in enslaved people as middlemen while they also traded in palm oil . Traders who amassed wealth within this business market found themselves parading power over

1665-511: The people of Barbados , of African descent, were upset at the poor treatment of a King from their homeland. In 1891, Jaja was granted permission to return to Opobo, but died on the way. Following his exile and death, the power of the Opobo state rapidly declined. In 1903 the King Jaja of Opobo Memorial was erected in his honour in Opobo town centre. The grave of his son, Prince Waribo,

1710-432: The rich history, cultural pride, and social standing that the Ijaw people continue to uphold. Although the Ijaw are now primarily Christians (65% profess to be), with Roman Catholicism , Zion Church , Anglicanism and Pentecostalism being the varieties of Christianity most prevalent among them, they also have elaborate traditional religious practices of their own. Traditionally, the Ijaws hold celebrations to honour

1755-512: The spirits that last for several days. The highlight of these festivals is the role of masquerades . Jaja of Opobo King Jaja of Opobo (full name: Jubo Jubogha ; c. 1821–1891) was the founder and first king ( amanyanabo ) of the Opobo Kingdom in present-day Rivers State and Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria . Originally belonging to the Igbo ethnicity, he was initiated into

1800-578: The terms unacceptable. After some reprisal attacks by the British, his capital was ransacked. King Koko fled, and so was deposed by the British. He died in exile in 1898. The Ijaws speak nine closely related Niger-Congo languages , all of which belong to the Ijoid branch of the Niger-Congo tree. The primary division between the Ijo languages is that between Eastern Ijo and Central Ijo, the most important of

1845-408: The wearer's elevated status. The Don dress was not just a garment, but a powerful symbol of power, prestige, and the cultural heritage of the Ijaw people. Together, these attires not only display the Ijaw people’s taste for elegance but also emphasize the importance of social hierarchy, beauty, and tradition within their culture. The different garments and accessories worn by both men and women reflect

Ijaw - Misplaced Pages Continue

1890-420: Was bought by the Ijo people of Bonny. He later earned his way out of slavery and was renamed Jaja. Historically, various Ijaw clans engaged in the practice of acquiring slaves from Igboland for purposes such as gifting to newlyweds and showcasing wealth. However, the Ijaw's approach to slavery differed from many other cultures. They permitted slaves to earn their freedom after a specified period of service, and it

1935-419: Was common for Ijaw men to marry enslaved women, granting them freedom through marriage. This practice facilitated social mobility and led to some Ijaw clans having remote Igbo ancestry due to these unions. Overall, the Ijaw's relatively limited participation in the slave trade reflects a more integrated and complex relationship between the two cultures. The Nembe Ijo people were the first Ijaws to fight and win

1980-1138: Was discovered in the 1980s that a now extinct Berbice Creole Dutch , spoken in Guyana, is partly based on Ijo lexicon and grammar . Its nearest relative seems to be Eastern Ijo, most likely Kalabari. The Ijaw People can be grouped into three. The first, which is termed as Central Ijaw (Ijo) , consists of Central Ijaw languages and subgroups: Ogbia subgroup and language, Epie-Atisa (Epie) subgroup and language, all part of Ijo people in  Bayelsa. The centeal Ijaw Language, spoken by people in Ekeremor, Sagbama (Kumbo), Amassoma, Apoi, Arogbo, Boma (Bumo), Kabo (Kabuowei), Olodiama, Ogboin, Tarakiri, and Kolokuma-Opokuma, Tungbo, Tuomo, etc. all in Bayelsa. Nembe Language, spoken by people in Nembe , Brass , and Akassa (Akaha) in Bayelsa. Abua language, spoken by Abua/Odual people in Rivers State. Other Central subgroups are Biseni People, Akinima, Mbiama, Engeni and some subgroups in

2025-564: Was selling eight thousand tons of palm oil directly to the British. Opobo also shipped palm oil directly to Liverpool . Despite his trade rivalry with the Europeans, Jaja sent his children to schools in Glasgow and enlisted whites to staff the secular school he built in Opobo. He barred any missionaries from entering Opobo. At the 1884 Berlin Conference the Europeans designated Opobo as British territory. When Jaja refused to cease taxing

#993006