Go to AfricaBib home

Go to AfricaBib home AfricaBib Go to database home

bibliographic database
Line
Previous page New search

The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here

Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Literary insights into the Ogbanje phenomenon
Author:Achebe, Christie C.
Year:1980
Periodical:Journal of African Studies (UCLA)
Volume:7
Issue:1
Pages:31-38
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subject:reincarnation
Abstract:The literal meaning of 'ogbanje' (Igbo), 'ekabasi' (Efik), 'abiku' (Yoruba) is 'one who comes repeatedly or one who dies and comes again'. Since science has not yet delineated the nature of the ogbanje phenomenon, this study intends to rely heavily on insights derived from Nigerian literature for the descriptive and speculative level of the investigation into the nature of the ogbanje problem. In an attempt to explore in some depth the ogbanje problem, this article relies exclusively on insights gleaned from Nigerian writers, especially Achebe, Soyinka, Clark and Akoma. The following questions are explored: Who or what is an ogbanje? What are its characteristics? What is society's attitude (as represented by parents) to an ogbanje? What measures, if any, are adopted to arrest the ogbanje cycle? What part does the ogbanje's iyi-uwa (oath binding an ogbanje to a definite goal in this world) play in the treatment process? Notes.
Views