Women and Traditional Igbo Back-Handed Greetings
In Igboland, titled men greet each other using a unique method known as "ina ito," which is the traditional back-handed salute. This form of greeting is not appropriate for an "anoli"—an individual who has not been initiated into any of the traditional Igbo societies or has not yet received a traditional title.
Culture is dynamic, and some communities in Igboland are beginning to include women in these traditional greeting customs. However, there are some men who oppose this practice, arguing that it is an abomination (alu) for a woman to receive this type of greeting, as it has historically been reserved for titled men only.
I witnessed the rituals and protocols firsthand when my wife, Iyom Ugomba, was initiated into the prestigious Iyom society of Enugwu-Ukwu in December 2024. After her initiation, members took turns greeting each other with three traditional back-handed salutes, using their hand fans (akupe) and the nza (horse tail). Following this, the titled men present greeted them in the same manner. This is an age-old practice.
When writer Chimamanda Adichie was honored by her Abba community with the title ‘Odeluwa Abba,’ Peter Obi, a prominent guest, was seen giving her the traditional three back-handed salute, which sparked considerable discussion online.
In a video from an event in Anambra State, Chief Uju Edochie, who holds the traditional title of Ada Eri, was seen wearing a red cap and boldly greeting the men with the same back-handed salute. Notably, there was no resistance to this, indicating acceptance from the titled chiefs.
Women like Ada Eri are regarded as Nne Nmonwu (mother of a masquerade), just like Ndi Iyom in Igboland. They are entitled to certain privileges that only men enjoy.
The practice of greeting titled women in this manner is gaining acceptance, although it varies from community to community. There is currently no universal agreement, but I believe that over time, this practice will become more widely embraced.
Is this tradition observed in your community?
Ozonkpu Chief Uche Nworah, Ph.D.
(Ezeudo Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri)
Women and Traditional Igbo Back-Handed Greetings
In Igboland, titled men greet each other using a unique method known as "ina ito," which is the traditional back-handed salute. This form of greeting is not appropriate for an "anoli"—an individual who has not been initiated into any of the traditional Igbo societies or has not yet received a traditional title.
Culture is dynamic, and some communities in Igboland are beginning to include women in these traditional greeting customs. However, there are some men who oppose this practice, arguing that it is an abomination (alu) for a woman to receive this type of greeting, as it has historically been reserved for titled men only.
I witnessed the rituals and protocols firsthand when my wife, Iyom Ugomba, was initiated into the prestigious Iyom society of Enugwu-Ukwu in December 2024. After her initiation, members took turns greeting each other with three traditional back-handed salutes, using their hand fans (akupe) and the nza (horse tail). Following this, the titled men present greeted them in the same manner. This is an age-old practice.
When writer Chimamanda Adichie was honored by her Abba community with the title ‘Odeluwa Abba,’ Peter Obi, a prominent guest, was seen giving her the traditional three back-handed salute, which sparked considerable discussion online.
In a video from an event in Anambra State, Chief Uju Edochie, who holds the traditional title of Ada Eri, was seen wearing a red cap and boldly greeting the men with the same back-handed salute. Notably, there was no resistance to this, indicating acceptance from the titled chiefs.
Women like Ada Eri are regarded as Nne Nmonwu (mother of a masquerade), just like Ndi Iyom in Igboland. They are entitled to certain privileges that only men enjoy.
The practice of greeting titled women in this manner is gaining acceptance, although it varies from community to community. There is currently no universal agreement, but I believe that over time, this practice will become more widely embraced.
Is this tradition observed in your community?
Ozonkpu Chief Uche Nworah, Ph.D.
(Ezeudo Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri)
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