In the Igbo community, almost every family have sheep, but the funny thing is that in our local markets, sheep meats are not available but there’s goat,beef, chicken and some other Bush meat.
The truth is that igbo people do not eat sheep, like many other igbo towns.
Sheep is known in Igbo as Aturu, the lamb is Nwaturu while the Ram is the mighty EbuleThe Ebule was sacred to Amadioha, it’s main totem was a white Ebule.
Sheep thus was a symbol of justice, uprightness dexterity and perseverance.It’s gentle and firm nature made it admirable.
Ram horns put on Arusi and ikenga effigies symbolised power and strength
The sheep was used in purification and clensing ritesIn Igbo lore… the sheep and ram are subject of many proverbs, idioms and fables
People bore names like Nwaturu, Umuaturu, Umuebule, Ebuleocha, Nwaturuocha, there was dignity and honour in these names.
Umuebule and Umuaturu for example are known communities in Echie and also there’s Umuebule in Obigbo.
Ogbuebule was a title in most part of IgbolandBy contrast nobody bears Nwaewu, umuewu, nwamkpi, etc
