Chuma: Umụ̀nnē na Umụ̀nna

“Umunna means ‘children of the same father,’ and Umunne means ‘children of the same mother - descendants of the same parents.”

In the Igbo nation, two words are used to express the close-knit relationship amongst members of one community: umunne and umunna. Umu literarily translates to children. ‘Nne’ means mother while ‘Nna’ means father. The ‘Umunna’ is then a socio-political, cultural, and economic group upon which the community is organized and run to date. It also refers to persons within extended families or clans based on a patrilineal path. Correspondingly, there’s ‘Ikwu nne’ derived from ‘umunne’, a matrilineal classification based on bloodline that serves very critical roles in the nation. Inheritance is passed down as well here, and members of Ikwu Nne do not intermarry or have any sexual relations. It is the one place a person can run to for refuge or help that they are never rejected.

The Igbo elders (parents) are then revered and treasured and the oldest male in the extended family naturally assumes leadership of that family and in consultation with other members of the clan represents the views of the family in larger groups and gatherings. If for any reason, they become incapable of carrying out this duty effectively, either due to illness, ageing, metal health decline or lack of moral integrity or just not able to carry out that responsibility, another male member of that extended family would be selected by consensus via an election to become the functional head of the family. This, in part, is how a culture that emphasizes self-reliance, equality, education, or knowledge, vigorous but fair competition for social, economic, and political advancement (achievement) is meritoriously bred.

Physical Art Size. 91cm x 121 cm, Acrylic on laser etched plywood.