Gallery – Mbaise United Austria

For centuries, age grades have played (and still do) an important role in village life in Mbaise and Igbo land in general. Age grades are formed by people born within three to five years from each other, any youth or a man who do not belong to any age group is seen as a person of questionable character and seen as irresponsible. Age groups are a means to create a peer group, foster unity and responsibility, acting mainly as a socio-cultural institution. Communities are segmented in different age grades, and with years passing by, the younger groups ascend the ladder and take over the role of older grades.

Age grades are initiated by youths at a certain age in their adulthood. They choose a well-respected elder as their patron to guide, direct and advise them on the right path, He acts mainly as a liaison officer between both groups. In the olden days, the newly formed group had to prove themselves for maturity by defending the community against hostile neighbours or enemies. Nowadays, these tasks are substituted with addressing basic community development needs, such as building a school, electrification, water provision etc.

Only if the elder agree that the age grade has performed their task meaningfully with success, and the group is seen as a role model to the community, the group will be accepted to adulthood and is honoured with a name. With this name, the age grade will become part of the decision making process in the community and is seen as the protector of societal tradition and culture.

Chizoba age grade No 10 Umuamadi Nguru in Aboh Mbaise,