Things Fall Apart
What does the wrestling match and the rhythmic drumming show about the Ibo?
What does the wrestling match and the rhythmic drumming show about the Ibo? (Chapter 6)
What does the wrestling match and the rhythmic drumming show about the Ibo? (Chapter 6)
The Igbo believed that the wrestling matches reflected a boy's right of passage from childhood to adolescents and, for men, a sense of virility and power. Boys who win matches are showered with praise and seen as a future alpha-male type leader. Okonkwo defeated the "Cat" in this way which helped his reputation in this regard. These matches were also a social focal point for the tribe and caused much speculation about possible courtship matches.The drumming was part of the epic nature of these matches that the Igbo coveted so much.