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http://doi.org/10.33234/SSR.22.6
Victor ‘Túnjí TÁÍWÒ, PhD
Department of Theatre Arts, Lagos State University of Education, Nigeria.
Abiola Olubunmi Adumati, PhD
Department of Performing Arts, Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria
biolapearl@yahoo.com
Abstract
This paper is a semiotic interpretation of the ritual images in African-Igbo traditional practices. Igbo rituals such as rites of passage, burial ceremonies, chieftaincy, naming, wedding, worship and other ceremonies are significant cultural communications that reflect the social norms, beliefs, and values of the people. These traditional ritual practices are conglomeration of signs and symbols that convey deep meanings. This research adopted the Semiotic theory as a tool to: interpret the semiotic meanings of the Igbo traditional ritual practices depicted in Peter Igho’s film, Things Fall Apart; analyse the ritual images and traditional elements embedded in it; and, convey their cultural meanings and communicate the Igbo people’s cultures. The study thus, exemplified that the use of traditional ritual images in films and theatre is a vital tool in preserving and transmitting African cultures.
Keywords: Ritual, images, Igbo cultural practices, African traditional practices, semiotics
