One of the eye-catching accessories that beautify one’s outfit is the cap. Igbo Caps are well-made headdresses indigenous to Ndi Igbo (Igbo people). They come in different styles and designs, some are made with local materials like wool, beads and threads whereas others are made from pure cotton. 90% of Igbo caps appear in red color, just a few others are mixed with white or black colors depending on the outfit one wishes to blend it with.
Abiriba cap is one of the various types of Igbo caps mostly worn by men during occasions like Ofala, New yam festivals and traditional marriages. Although it is native to Abiriba people (a community in Bende Local Government in Abia State, Nigeria) it is widely used both within and outside the Igbo land as part of people’s headdresses. Some people in their nature of clipping names just call it ‘Abiriba‘ or ‘Okpu Abiriba‘ (Abiriba people cap) referring to its original makers. The color of the Abiriba cap is mostly red and white and its tail rolls down to the cheek of the person wearing it. It indeed looks so adorable and will give your cute clothes a unique look.
Images Images of Abiriba caps;
Unlike the Abiriba cap, Red Cap is mostly worn by ‘Ndi Nze na Ozo‘ (titled men in Igbo land) for it signifies honor and integrity upholding the rich culture of the Igbo people. It represents the institution of chieftaincy, of power and of leadership. Sometimes, Igbo red caps are used as logos or identification marks for symbolic purposes. It makes for an easy recognition of an Igbo man wherever he is. It is synonymous with those recognized chiefs who met certain required standards in their communities. These sets of chiefs do not tell lies because they have taken an oath “Isa ire” (washing of tongue) to always say and abide by the truth hence they do not go back on their words, especially while wearing the red cap. The number of Eagle feathers on the cap depicts the level attained by such a chief. Indeed, the chiefs are highly respected in Igbo land. One significant aspect of this regard placed on a titled man with a red cap is that one cannot fight or talk to such a man anyhow in Igbo land. It is seen not just as an offence but a total disrespect for a high class titled man. It is punishable by law and the offender will face the consequences squarely. An ozo man has to become an “Ogbuefi” before wearing the revered cap.
Images of Red Caps;
Another unique headdress revered so well in Igbo land, generally called ‘Okpu Igwe‘ (The Royal Crown). It is a unique headdress designed and produced specially for the Igwe (king). It has different colors and styles depending on the choice and in accordance with the tradition of the land. Similarly, some Igbo crowns are designed with eagle’s feather round it, or just in the front view as seen also in the Red cap (for titled men). Okpu Igwe, unlike other Igbo caps mentioned earlier, is heavier in weight. This weight points to the level of responsibilities a King attends to both within and outside the community. This is why the job of wearing a crown or becoming a ruler is never an easy one. It is so hard to see a King in a function without his royal crown. It is like a medical doctor without basic tools like stethoscope.
Images of Okpu Igwe (The Royal Crown);
Some varieties of Igbo Caps
