Ubochi Afia: The four market days and their significance in Omenala Igbo

Overview:
The Igbo people, an ethnic group primarily located in southeastern Nigeria, have a rich cultural heritage deeply intertwined with their traditional beliefs, customs, and practices. Central to Igbo cosmology is the concept of Omenala, which encompasses their worldview, spirituality, and social organization. Within Omenala Igbo, the four market days hold significant cultural, religious, and economic importance, shaping the community's social fabric and spiritual beliefs. Let's delve into each of these market days and their significance within Igbo society, supported by citations and references where applicable.

Origin:
Market days in Igbo land have a rich historical and cultural significance. Traditionally, market days served as occasions for trade, social interaction, and cultural exchange among different communities. These markets played a crucial role in the economic life of the Igbo people, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and customs.
The concept of market days in Igbo culture predates colonialism and has evolved over centuries. Market days were organized according to a four-day cycle known as "Afo," "Nkwo," "Eke," and "Orie." Each day was associated with specific marketplaces and activities. For instance, "Afo" markets were held in communities like Owerri, Enugu, and Awka; "Nkwo" markets in places like Onitsha and Aba; "Eke" markets in Nnewi and Ihiala; and "Orie" markets in places like Umuahia and Okigwe.
These market days were regulated by traditional institutions and often linked to the Igbo calendar, which is lunar-based. Market days were not only about commerce but also about cultural practices, including rituals, ceremonies, and performances. They provided opportunities for storytelling, music, dance, and communal celebrations.
Colonial influences and modernization have impacted market days in Igbo land. While some traditional practices persist, changes in economic structures, urbanization, and globalization have transformed the nature of these markets. Nevertheless, market days continue to be important cultural institutions, maintaining their significance in Igbo society.

Art station of the four market days: Eke, Orie, Afor and Nkwo

Eke Market Day: Eke is the first market day in the Igbo four-day cycle, corresponding to the Igbo deity of creation, Ala, the earth goddess. Eke is associated with fertility, abundance, and prosperity. On Eke market days, people gather to trade goods, exchange agricultural produce, and engage in economic transactions. It serves as a vital economic hub where community members come together to buy and sell goods, strengthening social bonds and fostering communal solidarity (Ottenberg, 1978).


Orie Market Day: Orie is the second market day in the Igbo cycle, linked to the Igbo deity of thunder and lightning, Amadioha. Orie market days are characterized by increased commercial activities, with traders offering a wide range of goods and services. It is believed that the energy of Amadioha infuses the market with vitality and power, attracting people from far and wide to participate in trading activities. Orie market days also serve as occasions for social gatherings, where individuals come together to celebrate, share stories, and strengthen community ties (Nzewi, 1993).


Afo Market Day: Afo is the third market day in the Igbo calendar, associated with the Igbo deity of divination, Agbala. Afo market days are considered sacred, as they are dedicated to spiritual and religious activities alongside economic transactions. It is believed that on Afo market days, the spiritual realm is particularly accessible, allowing for divination, consultations with oracles, and rituals to seek guidance and protection. Afo market days thus serve as occasions for spiritual renewal, reflection, and communion with the ancestors (Nzewi, 1993).
Nkwo Market Day: Nkwo is the fourth and final market day in the Igbo cycle, associated with the Igbo deity of the sun, Chukwu. Nkwo market days are characterized by a festive atmosphere, with lively music, dance, and cultural performances. It is believed that the energy of Chukwu illuminates the market, symbolizing enlightenment, knowledge, and wisdom. Nkwo market days also serve as opportunities for communal celebrations, where people come together to honor their cultural heritage, express gratitude, and seek blessings for the future (Nzewi, 1993).
The significance of the four market days in Omenala Igbo extends beyond economic transactions to encompass social cohesion, spiritual beliefs, and cultural identity. They provide a framework for organizing community life, fostering mutual support, and preserving traditional values. By understanding the cultural significance of the four market days, one gains insight into the complex tapestry of Igbo society and the enduring legacy of Omenala Igbo in shaping collective consciousness and worldview.
References:

1. Ottenberg, S. (1978). Markets in Africa: Four studies. University Press of America.
2. Nzewi, M. (1993). The ritual basis of Igbo art. African Arts, 26(2), 46-59.
3. Agu, C. U. (2002). "Igbo Market Days in the Pre-Colonial Period." In "Contributions to African Studies," vol. 19, no. 1.
4. Ekechi, F. K. (1996). "The Igbos of Nigeria: Ancient Rites, Changes, and Survival." Transaction Publishers.
5. Ottenberg, S., & Ottenberg, P. (1962). "Markets in West Africa." The Journal of Economic History, 22(4), 432-445.
6. Onwuka, R. (1975). "Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta, 1830-1885: An Introduction to the Economic and Political History of Nigeria." Nok Publishers