Tradition is defined as the beliefs and customs passed from generation to generation, customs can include anything from language to dress. Nigerians have the word 'traditional' in order to differentiate native customs from Europeanisation in Nigeria. We can assume that these traditions are passed down directly from an individuals ancestors, and may even undergo slight appropriation for the times. This is true for most ethnic groups in Nigeria, except the Igbo who do not necessarily get 'traditional' from their ancestors, which is why I ask what is 'traditional' in the Igbo world?

Igbo people today do not generally wear much clothing that is related to their ancestors. Igbo people sometimes copy others cultures and call it 'traditional', and I don't mean in an obviously natural way such as Ibibio influence on the communities on the east of their land. The languages are all being muddled up, and not in a 'standardised' and 'local' language sort of way, but in an 'Abia community using Ifeanyi' kind of way. You also have the issue of a generic Igbo culture arising, which is the Ibibio hat wearing, 'George' tying, mgbedike-mask dancing generic, to put it simple, something you'd find in a Nollywood 'traditional' movie. Nollywood seems to be a strong contribution of the muddling up of Igbo tradition and history, both internally and to the wider world (for example you'd get a Kenyan greeting you with 'igweeee' even though most communities do not have igwe).

If 'traditional' is something passed from ancestors and, in the modern Niger area, is meant to be as opposed to modern/foreign/European influence, then why is 'traditional' in Igboland undergoing massive modification? Some call this as positive or natural. I only understand cultural change when it is natural, what I'd say is natural would be if the changes were brought from the customs passed down (such as George Indian material woven by Akwete women 'in an Igbo fashion'), an evolution, or if the influence came directly from contact as was appropriated and care was taken not to trample on other traditions. The following examples are all Igbo 'traditional' events, and then there are older examples of tradition before major influence from others. The clothing is influenced by Islamic African cultures but none of these people are muslims. I've also noticed the trend of Igbo brides dressing in Bini coral shawls. This is only for example and no offence should be taken by those in the photos:

Today:

[img]http://web.njit.edu/~ma383/Images/Igbo%20bride2.jpeg[/img]

Early 20th Century:




Wedding/women before:




Related groups are similar (Ibibio):



How others are:
Japanese wedding then and now.

[img]http://4.bp..com/_N0etphrdLf0/SOz1SyemsjI/AAAAAAAAApY/RQnH4cQhAr8/s1600/escanear0302.jpg[/img]