Cultural and Spiritual Implications of Head Covering Among the Igbo Christians of Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The issue of head covering as penned by Paul has never ceased to confront and challenge scholars and lay-people alike, especially concerning its application in the 21st Century. This paper endeavored to trace the history of the Igbo people, noting especially their cultural and religious inclinations. It explored the cultural and theological bases of head covering as understood in Igboland and the challenges the Christians have had to encounter as a result of the expectations from conservative Christians and even non-Christians. The cultural basis for head covering suggested that Igbo women who cover their heads do so because of the cultural expectations. At the same time, others within the same culture contend that women cover their heads on theological basis, namely, the injunction of Paul in 1Cor 11.2-16. This paper therefore argues that the theological reasoning is more compelling as a basis for head covering in Igboland. This, however, does not imply that one should make the lives of women miserable due to their non-conformity since the principle motif towers above the practice.

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