TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF STUDY
1.1 statement of problem
1.2 aims of study
1.3 limitations of study
1.4 scope of study
1.5 research methodology
1.6 clarification of terms
1.7 the significance of study
End notes
chapter two: IGBO TRADITIONAL SOCIETY
2.1 the historical background of the igbos
2.2 the political background of the igbos
2.3 the economic life of the igbos
2.4 the socio-cultural life of the igbos
2.5 traditional religion of the igbos
End notes
Chapter three
THE TRADITIONAL LITURGICAL SYSTEM AND SACRIFICE AMONG IGBOS
3.1 the worship and sacrifice to beings in igbo cosmology
3.1.1 veneration of ancestors
3.1.2 veneration of diunities
3.1.3 spirits in igbo cosmology
3.2 sacred people in igbo liturgical system
3.3 sacrifice in igbo traditional religion
3.3.1 types of sacrifice in igbo traditional religion
3.4 elements of sacrifice in igbo traditional religion
Chapter four
THE ROLE OF SACRIFICE IN IGBO TRADITIONAL RELIGION
4.1 functions of sacrifice in igbo traditional religion
4.2 negative aspect of sacrifice in igbo traditional religion
4.3 positive aspect of sacrifice in igbo traditional religion
4.4 significance of sacrifice to igbo traditional religion
4.4.1 economic significance
4.4.2 political significance
4.4.3 social significance
4.4.4 psychological significance
4.4.5 health
Chapter five
EVALUATION RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION
5.1 evaluation
5.2 recommendation for modern approach and sign post for further studies
5.2.1 recommendation on the practice of sacrifice
2.3 conclusion
Appendix
ABSTRACT
Sacrifice is religion in practice, a means of expressing one’s intension to a divinity believed to exist. Sacrifice is seen in almost all human communities and religion. It definitely will have a role to play in these societies and religion. The igbo traditional society is the community of people who share igbo world views and institutions. This works is to know the significance of sacrificial acts system and society. There are changes in igbo society and traditional practices now more than ever, we need to study the igbo traditional society and the institution and also belief that held the society to get the best of new society in this society to get the best of the two world without completely losing our identity. This is the reason why the role of the sacrifice in igbo traditional religion and society should be studied, to help correct the false impression people have about Igbo sacrifice and learn the significance of sacrifice in the igbo traditional society.
CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF STUDY
One of the perenennial concern of human beings is the need for peace, prosperity, and harmony in society, where people can truly fulfil their God-given mission in life. In othe words, there is a human desire for an environment, where lifa can be honestly celebrated in its fullness even while waiting its final consummation. The African traditional believers in his search for the realisation f such a noble aim and desire has often identified sacrifice as a cordinal instrument of societal transformation.
Sacrifice is important to any religion and igbo traditional religion in particular. In every community, sacrifice is used as a means for the individual or society to commune with spiritual beings. In the igbo traditional society, we believe these beings have power to sustain and destroy, a good reciprocal relationship with them is beneficial to man making sacrifice important to the religious and social life of the igbos. Sacrifice is also used to counteract the powers of destruction and evil spirit. To understand the significance of sacrifice, one has to put into consideration the igbo cosmology, sacrificial types, rites, essence, purpose of sacrifice in igbo traditional society compared to other living religions and its future in the modern igbo society.