Ishi-Agu or Isiagu in IGBO paradigm is both an artefact and communities in Igboland.
The colourful Igbo hat, popularly known as Ishi-agu or Isiagu, is an emblem and IGBO cultural icon.
Ishi-Agu is the name of an Igbo community in Ebonyi State, and Isiagu is another name of an community in Awka South, Anambra State in Igboland.
These places and icons reinforces the fact that Igbos recognise and adopt Ishi-Agu or Isiagu, or Agu (Leopard) as iconic images and cultural representations.
The symbolic Ishi-Agu is a colourfully woven combination of red, white and black ribbons designed and threaded in a cyclic style, on a piece of fabric or cotton. These materials have been hand made or woven for centuries, and worn by the initiated into Nzé na Ózò in typical IGBO communities.
Symbolically speaking, Ishi-agu represent bravery, achievement, honour, endeavour and a mark of recognition by the people. It's the preserve of those who made sacrifices and commitments to their communities. It is also a dress code.
Ishi-Agu represent the idea of an IGBO spirit and practices, daring to replicate not just the Leopard as king of the jungle, but its characteristics. To say that IGBOS idolise the Leopard is an understatement. Agu is by far one of the most popular names in IGBOLAND.
To be addressed by the name 'Agu' (Leopard), is also a sign of respectful admiration. Leopard skin was mostly found in IGBO Palaces and Kingdoms.
The feathered, also dorning the Ishi-Agu or cap, symbolise a distinctive achievement. The traditional institutions in IGBO Kingdoms have always decorated an awardee with a feather on Ishi-Agu or hat. The feathered recipient and recognition refers to such achievements in various human endeavours, especially in different fields and human excellence. It was always unanimously agreed by the IGBO traditional councils or senate, attesting to the deserving, following rigorous nomination criteria and rules, and considering all other factors, by affirming that indeed, the feathered cap elevates a recipient above their peers into the realm of extraordinary human achievement and excellence.
Most IGBO family names have become synonymous with Agú, the traditional feathers of achievement in trade, commerce, farming, engineering or academics - as Ndí- Ókòji; Ndi-Ugbo; Ndi-Ogélè, and so on. In fact, there are more IGBO communities referred to as (Ndí) than not. This provides a descriptive analysis of the generational occupations, historical antecedents and past achievements.
(Ndí) in IGBO, has always been used to describe a group or sets of Igbo peoples, or communities, as separate and distinct from others. It refers to the peculiarities and forms of associations upon which members of these groups are strongly defined or identified. Just like Ndi-Igbo, which illustrates the collection of a people of Igbo extraction and communities, living next to each other, sharing a culture, history and heritage, and yet, spectacularly diverse and different. Ndí Òkpù-Ùzù (The group of engineers and constructors) for example.
IGBO clans have always been known according to groups and families; identified mostly by many a specific object, characteristics, achievements, trades or professions within the wider community. Óffór is another symbolic icon. ÓFFÓR tree in IGBO mythology is believed to harbour the spirit of equity, peace and longevity. Óffór tree is usually the biggest tree within the community, providing shade, presence, trunk and community environment.
In some IGBO traditions, this tree is never owned by any individual. It's always a public or community owned property. It may grow on a land belonging to a member or groups within an Igbo community, but it belongs to the entire community. It's seeds are edibly used for thickening of traditional delicacy such as the óffór soup, as one of the Igbo special recipes and delicacies. The Óffór seed can be picked up by any member of the community, including strangers, as it falls from the main tree, when ripe.
However, no one is allowed to climb or harvest the Óffór seed, except in the wild. The Óffór allows for the coexistence of the forests, fauna, mammals, reptiles, man and wild birds to occupy the same environment in peace and harmony.
Any Igbo Community Leader, an Eze or Elder, dressed with Ishiagu cap, and Óffór in the hands symbolise authority, integrity, fairness, truth, equity, justice and conscience. Óffór n'Ogu; is the moral equivalent of 'Truth and Equity'.
It behoves anyone who seeks to act against another, either in judgement, as litigant or respondent, to review the subject and analyse for their consciences based on truth and enumerated symbolic significance. It is the basis for centuries of IGBO legal precedent and systems.
NDI-IGBO as a people are culturally identified by their sense of duty to community before self, and respect for Elders, whose wisdom help to preserve the cultural practices and norms, and the deep belief in Chí (The Almighty), Creator of Heavens and the Earth; as HE sees in secret, and rewards openly.
Since the fall of Man from the garden of Eden; Gen 2:17, the IGBOS have been guided, and almost enslaved by their knowledge, conscience, and appreciation of good over evil; and the idea of remaining as moral agents or symbols.
To be guided by Óffór n'Ogu, is to be led by the spirit of personal and moral consciences, probing the shallow and thin lines between right and wrong, of truth and falsehood. This is the moral guide to Igboness, and the Ishi-Agu as a sign of Igbo moral Leadership and symbol.
…@ Mazi, Acho Peter Ndukwe is a Technology Tutor in the UK.
