Traditional Igbo Building Architecture: An Historical Perspective

Abstract

Some European writers like David Hume, George Hegel and Hugh Trevor – Roper, among others have in their respective works presented a poor picture about the Africans.  According to them Africans lacked any ingenious indigenous industry, arts and science.  As a result of this Africa lacked development, culture and thus was no historical part of the globe.  This view point is punctured by the work “traditional Igbo building architecture”, which reveals a gradual but steady growth and development of the shelter needs of the Igbo from the pre-colonial to the post-colonial era.  The major influences that acted as catalysts in the development of this basic need of man, the change and continuity in this aspect of Igbo tradition are discussed.  Finally, the general impact of this cultural development is highlighted.