Igbo, the indivisible element of all blacks, says Haiti in 1789
By Uduma Kalu
Natural Mystic
There's a natural mystic
Blowing through the air
If you listen carefully now you will hear
This could be the first trumpet
Might as well be the last
Many more will have to suffer
Many more will have to die
Don't ask me why
-Bob Marley
Igbo is a spirit, the grandnum, the indivisible element of all blacks, the grand spirit of all blacks, says Haiti prior to its 1789 war of liberation. That spirit was invoked in its liberation struggle. Haiti won beating all powerful Napoleon. That spirit, Igbo Loa, is still being worshipped there in annual celebration. The spirit didn't stop in Haiti after the liberation. It razed through the whole of the Americas, bringing freedom to all and sundry before marching down to Africa where 19th century Sierra Leonean Dr Horton, another Igbo, regarded as Father of African Political Thought and 20th century Zik of Africa took over. Their thoughts and deeds brought freedom to Africa, not just to Nigeria. This is 20th century.
"Ibo granmoun" (also seen as Igbo granmoun) is a Haitian Creole phrase referencing the Igbo people of Nigeria and their historical influence in Haiti, rooted in their tradition of self-governance rather than kingship. The Igbo philosophy of self-authority, known in the Igbo language as "Igbo ama eze" (the Igbo are their own authority), was translated into Haitian Creole as "Ibo granmoun". This expression is now a part of Haitian culture and Vodou, honoring the strong, proud, and self-determining Igbo ancestors who were enslaved in Haiti.
Origin and Meaning
Igbo ama eze: This ancient Igbo expression means "the Igbo are their own authority".
Ibo granmoun: Translated into Haitian Creole, it means "Ibo elders" or "the respected Ibo people" and signifies the elders who once ruled the Igbo parliament, which was composed of representatives from each family compound (lakou).
Cultural Impact in Haiti
Resistance to Enslavement:
The Igbo's deep-seated passion for self-determination, a core part of their culture, fueled their resistance to slavery in Haiti and the Americas.
High Suicide Rate:
The Igbo's refusal to take orders led to a higher suicide rate among them during enslavement, an act sometimes recalled by the Haitian Vodou expression "Ibo touye tèt li" (the Ibo hang themselves).
Spiritual and Cultural Presence:
Traces of Igbo culture and influence can be found in Haitian culture, spirituality, and Vodou.
Honored Spirits:
In Haitian Vodou, the Ibo spirits are honored, particularly in the Petwo rite.
Lingering Saying:
The Haitian Creole saying "Nou se Igbo" (We are Igbos) remains a testament to the historical connection and ancestral pride in Haiti.
0 Comments