Tribal structure in Things Fall Apart

Tribal things in things fall apart

There are several tribal structures mentioned in this book. The egwugwu, the ozos, and the gods are significant to the tribes and clans within the novel. The egwugwu is an important tribal structure in Umofia.  Nine elderly men represent the nine ancestral spirits, who “represented a village of the clan” page 89.  The egwugwu are called upon for ceremonies and trials; additionally, they appear in a special hut.  The egwugwu mainly serve as the legal council for the clan.  Achebe used the Egwugwu through the book to show that the tribes of Africa did have a form of justice and law. They were able to find reasonable ways in which to settle their conflicts.

The ozos is a very critical part in the structure of Umofia. The men with ozos are held with the highest regard and “ there are only 4 within the clan” page 123. Only few men are rewarded with all four. Most men work hard so the can earn an ozo.

Throughout the entire book the men have complete control over the woman the men all allowed to beat their wives and children. There is however a priestess only to the woman. The men also have a god they go to as well during hard times. The men’s god is Agbala he may be a man, but he is heard of through his priestess, Chielo. Men and Women alike abided to her words because she was “priestess of Agbala” page107.  The people’s actions and words are done in regard to the gods. 

In thing’s fall apart Chinua Achebe compares the African and western cultures they may be different they do have some similarities. Their beliefs and traditions can be related to one another.