Just like every other traditional marriage in Nigeria, The Igbo traditional paying of dowry is very important and the process/lists differs from state to state or clan to clan. During the introduction stage, after both families have come to an agreement and the date for the traditional marriage is fixed, the intending groom is official handed a list of items to present on the agreed date of the marriage. It is an obligatory part of completing the Igba Nkwu (traditional marriage) as the items on the list are said to be symbolic, covering different part of the marriage. Like I always say the list can be modified depending on the family of the bride, i.e. the bride to be can negotiate on behalf of the groom's family so that the list is trimmed.
Typical Igbo Traditional List for the Groom also
applicable of Mbaise of Imo state.
Section A: UMUADA (All Kindred Daughters)
- Wrappers and Blouses (Nigerian Wax/Hollandis or George)
- Jewelry
(Gold plated earrings, necklaces)
- Head ties and Shoes (a pair each, different
colours.)
- Hand bags and wrist watches (Different types and colours)
- Toiletries
(Body creams, bathing soaps, detergents, etc.)
- Beverages and food items
- Cash
gift (not specific)
- Ogwe ego Drinks (Malt & Minerals)
Section B: NMANYA UKWU (Big Wine) UMUNNA (Kinsmen)
The items in this category will be shared amongst the
heads of the extended family of the bride to be.
- Bottles of Seamans Schnapps (millennium brand)
- Kola nuts
- Gallons
of Palm wine
- Cartons of Beer,
- Malt and Mineral drinks
- Heads of Tobacco with potash
- Rolls
of cigarettes
- 1 goat
- Cash gift (not specific) Ego Umuna
NB: Items in Section A&B are usually in 3 pieces or
in cartons, can not be negotiated by the grooms family except the bride's
family is lenient enough to cut down the items, or the numbers of items to be
presented in these sections.
Other cash gifts that may be demanded during the course
of the ceremony Ego nfotu iteö
(cash to bring down symbolic cooking pot) - 1,000
- Ncha kishi udu (Toasting of wine) = 1,000
- Ego Ogo cherem (money for the in laws) = 50,000
- Ego maternity (money for future maternity) =
1,000
- Ego Onye Eze (money for village
chief) = 1,500
- Ogwe Ego (lump sum) = 5,000
Section C: NMEPE
UZO (General list/Opening of Gate)
- 30 tubers of Yam
- 2 bags of Rice
- 2 bags of Salt
- 2
cartons of Star Beer
- 2 cartons of Guinness Stout
- 2 cartons of Maltina
- 6 crates of
Minerals
- 3 bottles of Seamans Schnapps (millennium brand)
- 30 bulbs of onions
- 1
gallon of red Palm oil (10 -25 litres)
- 1 gallon of Groundnut oil (25 litres)
- A
basin of Okporoko (Stockfish)
- 2 pieces of Goat leg (Ukwu Anu ewu)
- 25 loaves of
Bread
- 1 carton of Tin Tomatoes
- 1 carton of Tin Milk
-1 carton of Tablet soap
- 20
Pieces of canned facial powder
-1 gallon of Kerosene
- 20 heads of Tobacco
- 10 packets
of cigarettes
- 5 pieces of George/Hollandis/Nigerian Wax
- 3 pieces of Umbrella
- 1 Big
Box (Apati)
- 2 Big Basins
- 2 pieces of Igbo Blouse
- 2 pieces of Headties
- Gold
necklaces and Wrist watches (minimum of 2 pieces)
- 1 piece of Lantern/LampôIkpo
- Onu Aku Nwayi (Bride price) Nonnegotiable, though some families makes it very minimal and almost insignificant. (reason being that they are not selling their daughter).
Hmmmmm!
God bless our brothers o. Things we do for love. Are you still interested in her?
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