Tiv people beliefs and religion

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The Tiv religious beliefs or Jighjigh u nan u Tiv, comprises the traditional and spiritual beliefs of the Tiv people. Most contemporary Tiv people today are Christians. But, some of the traditional practices are sometimes observed by some Tiv people.[1]

## IN CENTRAL AFRICA

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Historical archives on the Tiv people and culture demonstrate that, the tiv are monotheist and believe to come from an individual called Takuluku which is the most common account from most bantu groups[2] where other groups especially the Zulu refer to this individual as Unkulunkulu.[3] Takuluku was created by a God called Aondo. From the accounts of Laura Bohannan, the Tiv say Aondo is no longer interested in them and has left them and gone to settle in heaven, so they too are not interested in Aondo.[4] God in their view created both the forces of evil and good. He also, created the heavens and the earth after which he walked away.[5]

The oldest male who is known for his honesty and integrity can communicate with Aondo especially when there is flood, drought or poor farm yield (whatever kind of natural disaster experienced). He calls out openly in a loud voice; AONDO U ABAVER, AONDO U YORKOR and states his petition. This petition is answered almost immediately.[6]

Aondo 
 God
Aondo u Abaver 
- God of Abraham
Aondo u Yorkor 
- God of Jacob
Aondo u Abaver jua 
- God of circumcision

Spirits and ancestors, do not interfere with the forces that manipulate health, wealth, harmony, animals and crop fertility and the natural states of things. Evil forces can be activated by human acts and vices.[7]

## PRESENT LOCATION

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### BEFORE CHRISTIANITY

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SWEM KARAGBE
The first Tiv writer, Akiga Sai,[8] stated that The tiv people believe Swem is a great akombo by which they swear but Swem is rather a mountain located in the Cameroon. Akiga visited the mountain with Mr La Grange and Mr Brinks. Karagbe is a Nongov man[9] who brought a pot with shrubs to the Tiv people during the reign of the second Tor Tiv, Zaki Gondo Aluor and called it swem.[10] Thus the origin of swem karagbe which is used by less than 1percent of tiv people.[11]

Tsav
Is a complex cosmic potency that is internalized in an individual and forms or integrates to be part of his personality.[12] It can be a sign or a source of special kind of abilities. It is not present in all people. A group of people with tsav is called mbatsav. It can also be enhanced. Some writers call mbatsav witches while others dont totally agree because they state that the aim of tsav is for the good of the community but some individuals use it for selfish motives. An example of practical tsav is the Kwagh-Hir.

Akombo
The tiv akombo exists as figurines, pots, amulets or plants

## References

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1. ^ "Justice and Judgment among the Tiv". Oxford University Press.
2. ^ "Bantu expansion shows that habitat alters the route and pace of human dispersals". National Academy of Sciences.
3. ^ "Whose Unkulunkulu". Cambridge University Press.
4. ^ "A Source Notebook on Tiv Religion". Bohannan, P. & L. Bohannan. 1969.
5. ^ "Akiga's story : the Tiv tribe as seen by one of its members / translated and annotated by Rupert East ; reprinted with bibliography and new preface". Oxford University Press.
6. ^ "Circumcision among the Tiv". Bohannan, P. 1954.
7. ^ "The tiv people". Abraham, Roy Clive. 1940.
8. ^ "Akiga's story : the Tiv tribe as seen by one of its members / translated and annotated by Rupert East ; reprinted with bibliography and new preface". Oxford University Press.
9. ^ "Swem: The Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Tiv of Central Nigeria". Tourism and Heritage journal. Terngu Sylvanus Nomishan.
10. ^ "Swem Karagbe". Alexander Street Press. Iyorwuese Harry Hagher.
11. ^ "Tiv Religion". Ibadan University Press, Nigeria, 1971. Downes R.M.
12. ^ "Naming powers: Hausa Tsafi, Tiv tsav". Journal of African cultural studies. Raymond Boyd and Richard Fardon.

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