Social Status |
Social status is very important in the Igbo culture. Your family status also comes into play with your social status, because you are either praised for coming from good ancestors or ashamed from coming from bad ancestors. At the top of the social pyramid is the oracle who communicates with the Gods. Below that, there are men and elders with varying titles, starting from four going down to two. Below that, there are men with 1 or no titles. Below that are the Efulefu, as well as middle aged men without titles. Lastly on the very bottom are women and children. However even below them, are the Osu who are so far below they pyramid they are not even included.
To the right there is another smaller pyramid of the Gods that is higher than the main social pyramid. At the top is the Chukwu. Next are the lesser Gods, such as Ani and Agbala. Finally at the bottom are the spirits and the Egwugwu. Found throughout Things Fall Apart. |