So recently I've been seeing more and more people talking about weddings and bride prices. Whether it's jokingly or serious, bride prices are an important part of many African societies. In MY culture, Igbo, bride prices are no exception.
The list below is the STANDARD that every man should present when attempting to marry an Igbo woman. I really hope my future fiancé loves me...
Section A : UMUADA (ALL KINDRED DAUGHTERS)
• Wrappers and Blouses– (George/Hollandis/Nigerian Wax)
• Jewelry – (Gold plated earrings, necklaces)
• Head ties and Shoes (Different types and colors)
• Hand bags and wrist watches (Different types and colors)
• Toiletries (Body creams, bathing soaps, washing detergents, etc.)
• Beverages and food items
• Cash gift (lump sum) –"Ogwe ego"
• Drinks (Malt & Minerals)
Section B: NMANYA UKWU (BIG WINE) – KINSMEN (UMUNNA)
The items in this category will be shared among the heads of the extended family of the bride to be. ***
• Bottles of Seaman’s Schnapps (Millennium Brand)
• Kolanuts
• Gallons of Palmwine
• Cartons of Beer, Malt and Mineral drinks
• Heads of Tobacco with potash
• Rolls of cigarettes
• 1 goat
• Cash gift (Lump sum) – Ego Umunna
Section C: N’MEPE UZO (OPENING OF GATE) – GENERAL
• 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 Seaman’s Schnapps (Millennium Brand)
• 30 bulbs of onions
• 1 gallon of red Palm oil (10 -25 liters)
• 1 gallon of Groundnut oil (25 liters)
• A basin of Okporoko (Stock fish)
• 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 Morning Rose powder
• 1 gallon of Kerosene
• 20 heads of Tobacco
• 10 packets of cigarettes
• 5 pieces of George/Hollandis/Nigerian Wax
• 3 Umbrellas
• 1 Big Box (Apati)
• 2 Big Basins
• 2 Igbo Blouses
• 2 Head ties
• Gold necklaces and Wrist watches (minimum of 2 pieces)
• 1 piece of Lantern/Lamp
• “Ikpo Onu Aku Nwayi” (Bride price) – Negotiable
Other cash gifts that may be demanded during the course of the ceremony
“Ego nfotu ite” (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 the village chief/king) – ₦ 1,500
“Ogwe Ego” (lump sum) – ₦ 5,000
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So I've realized that all of things equate to well over a few hundred thousand Naira (₦) and understand how it would be easier to simply travel to Igbo-land to pay for all of these things there. Not to mention the fact that as Igbo people we are expected to do our traditional marriage on Igbo soil and not obodo oyibo (white man's land). If you equate the money from Naira to American Dollars or Pounds, it's a lot less but it is still a lot of money.
Being a woman, this list made me gasp in shock so I can only imagine what my male readers might say to this. The above list varies from state-to-state, village-to-village, and family-to-family. Some father's ask for cars as well while others demand unreasonable amounts of money. Let's also remember that the more education a woman has, the higher her bride price tends to be.
xoxo,
J.Nne
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