AN APPRAISAL IN THE USE OF RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS IN EXPRESSION OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL BELIEFS IN NEKE COMMUNITY

Abstract

This paper is aimed at examining the use of religious symbols in Neke community in Enugu state, for the expression of African traditional beliefs and practices. Symbols more than anything else provide the primary stimulus for communicating the beliefs in Neke community. The paper seeks to examine the effects of traditional symbols in religious and cultural practices of Neke. It was discovered that the religious life of Neke community cannot be meaningful without the use of religious symbols. The paper recommends intensification of the use of symbols in other communities. This is in the sense that their various artistic traditions are drawn upon as sources of inspiration. These images have relgio-metaphysical themes, which serves as the focal point of power, which links the African’s physical world to his beliefs essence and existence. The paper makes use of primary and secondary sources information for data collection.