The Creation of the Four Igbo Market Days: A Mythological Perspective

The Igbo people have a rich cosmology that explains the origin of time and space through their traditional belief systems. According to the Owere (Owerri) narrative, the supreme deity, Chineke, created four primordial beings and assigned them to separate rooms within a house, that is; Eke, Orie, Afo, and Nkwo. These entities represent the four market days that govern the Igbo calendar. Women were also created and placed in a separate room, emphasizing gender roles in creation mythology.

The written record

In the story, Eke suggested the existence of Ala (Earth), which appeared spontaneously, reinforcing the Igbo view that the land and sky coexisted without a known origin. Agwushi (Agwu) the god of divination, identified and named the four days, establishing the market cycle essential for social and economic activities in Igboland. These days were then entrusted to various deities, including Amadioha (god of thunder) and Ala (goddess of the earth), signifying their spiritual and cultural significance.

Historical context

The Mbari votive shrine, an artistic and spiritual representation of Igbo deities, often depicts these elements, reinforcing their relevance in Igbo life. Mbari houses, traditionally constructed as offerings to the gods, serve as visual narratives of Igbo cosmology, reflecting themes of creation, fertility, and harmony. The myth highlights the Igbo worldview, emphasizing balance, order, and the sacred relationship between the spiritual and physical realms.