Chi

Molefi Kete Asante

Among the Igbo people of southern Nigeria, the Great Chi is Chukwu, the one Creator God. In fact, the entire culture of the Igbo people may be said to revolve around the idea of “Chi.” Taken from the concept of Almighty Chukwu, the idea of Chi is one of an omnipotent and omnipresent entity with numerous signs, symbols, activities, and sanctuaries to attest to the energizing power of Chi. Although one might find different names for the sanctuaries in various region of the Ibo nation, clearly the idea that Chi can be personalized is characteristic of every region and is therefore an idea that is shared by the community. In many everyday expressions, one hears the word chi as in the name Chika or in the expression by a male, “Aha m bu Chike,” that is, “My name is Chike.” This entry explores the role of the Chi in Igbo ...

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