The term “chi” is often misunderstood as a reference to God Almighty. However, in the pre-Christian era, the Igbo people held a different, more nuanced understanding of this concept. The images below depict a Chi Shrine from Nkharahia in the Ikwerre region of Rivers State, offering a glimpse into this ancient belief system.
The Significance of Chi Shrines
In Nkharahia and its surrounding areas, chi shrines were a common and revered part of the community. These shrines typically featured a room with walls adorned by grey-coloured plates, both inside and outside. These plates were often decorated with intricate patterns made from cowries. The rear wall of the shrine displayed sacred emblems on an altar-like ridge, while mud seats, polished to a pottery-like finish, held offerings such as china, glass, manillas, and food.
Chi shrines were also widespread in the Etche and Ikwerre communities, as well as in Oratta and parts of Mbaise. In Igbo culture, an individual’s chi was symbolized by three sticks for men or four wooden fragments in a small earthen bowl for women. During the yam festival, each Igbo man or woman would offer a goat or fowl to their chi as a token of gratitude for the harvest and to seek protection for the coming year.
Ownership and Worship of Chi Shrines
While anyone could own a chi shrine, it was typically associated with a single family, with each member having their own niche and altar for their personal chi. A unique aspect of this tradition is that children could inherit and venerate their mother’s chi, but not their father’s. Upon a man’s death, his chi would leave with him.
The priest of the chi shrine was usually the family head or the Ojiofor, often referred to as Ezechi or Ezechukwu, signifying their role as the spiritual leader.
Understanding the Concept of Chi
So, what exactly is chi? According to ancient Igbo belief, chi is understood as “Your Guardian Spirit” or “Your Spirit Force.” It is seen as the guiding force behind an individual’s destiny, offering protection throughout their life. In some contexts, chi may also be referred to as ehi. When something positive happens to someone, or they narrowly escape disaster, the Igbo would say they have “chioma” or “ehioma,” meaning good luck or a fortunate destiny. However, it is crucial to note that chioma does not translate to “good God,” as is sometimes mistakenly believed. Similarly, the phrase “kelechigi” is used to express gratitude for narrowly avoiding disaster, akin to “thank your stars” or “thank your luck.”
The Divine Connection: Chi, Eke, and Agwu
Every chi is believed to be a spark that emanates from the great Chi, the first Chi known as Chiokike. According to an Oratta legend, Chi first begat Ekeh, their first child, and through Ekeh, created the universe and everything within it. This belief is encapsulated in the concept of Chi na Eke (Chi and Eke), representing the Igbo interpretation of the Godhead. Agwu, meanwhile, is the divine force that connects Chi and Eke, serving as the messenger between Chineke (God) and His creation. Agwu bridges the gap between our personal chi and the great Chi, the material and spiritual realms, and God and humanity. The triune personality of the Igbo concept of God consists of Chi, Eke, and Agwu. Agwu shrines also existed, but only the owner was allowed to touch them. Devotion to Agwu was particularly prevalent in the Ohafia-Aro region.
The Influence of Christianity on the Igbo Concept of Chi
The widespread embrace of the Catholic Church by the Igbo people, despite the Anglican mission arriving first, may be attributed to the similarities they recognized between Catholic theology and their own spiritual practices and beliefs.
However, it is important to note that Igbo names like Chinaza, Chidimma, Chibuzo, and Ebubechi are not originally traditional names but rather Christian names that have been mistakenly linked to the newer Christian understanding of chi. This confusion likely arose with the abbreviation of Chineke or Chukwu to simply Chi. Historically, such names were rare among our grandparents and great-grandparents because they did not carry the same meaning they do now in an era where Igbo culture has become diluted. The correct prefix for such names should be Chukwu.
