ABSTRACT
T o THE CASUAL observer, who refrains from probing too closely, life in an Ibo village appears very attractive. There is a simplicity which is enhanced by natural sur-
roundings. No straight streets, or ugly rows of houses obtrude themselves; each hut is a separate entity. It may be large or small, but it enjoys the privilege of being independent of its neighbours. Many dwellings have their own compounds (courtyards) walled off and private or, again, a compound may contain a miniature village. Previous to the disintegrating effects of foreign influence, there was nothing other than what had been customary for untold generations.
