THE SYMBOLISM OF OFFOR IN IGBO TRADITIONAL RELIGION

Abstract

The idea of representation or symbolism in religions is at the heart of religious practices globally. This is because most of the belief systems are abstract in nature and so needs symbols to transmit the truth taught by the votaries of the religions to their adherents. Symbols could be seen in Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Jainism and other religions. Symbols could be concrete, verbal or expressive action. This paper therefore examines one of such symbols in African Traditional Religion among the Igbo people of South Eastern and South-South Nigeria known as offor. It briefly presents the symbolic interactionism of George Mead and the dream symbol of Sigmund Freud which is seen as door into the subconscious level of the mind as the theoretical framework of the paper. The paper then analysis the relevance of symbolism in African Traditional Religion with special focuses on the functions and types of symbols. Finally the paper concludes that offor, the symbol of sacred authority and lineage headship among the Igbo of Nigeria remains an instrument of both blessings and curse depending on the usage. Religious symbols are simple overt expressions of religious experience. Hence, humankind cannot express inner religious experiences and feelings without symbols. In other words, worship and all other cultic activities can only be effectively facilitated and complemented by symbolism

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