Marriage is considered one of the three most important family events after birth and death. In Igboland, the traditional marriage is referred to as Igba Nkwu or Igba Nkwu Nwanyi (wine carrying). It is the climax of an intense traditional marriage process as friends, families and well-wishers gather together in colourful attires to celebrate the couple. The bride’s traditional attire is usually the center of attraction but the groom’s look is almost just as important.
The groom’s attire could be made from various types of fabric such as Isiagu, brocade, top quality lace, jacquard, silk or patterned velvet but importantly, it should complement the fabric chosen by his bride.
More and more modern Igbo grooms are returning to wearing the traditional Isiagu top. The fabric which bears the same name is usually patterned with lion heads and other cultural symbols embroidered over the clothing. It is typically worn with trousers or wrapper and can be accessorized with either a ceremonial hat (hat worn by only title holders) or with the conventional striped men’s hat known as Okpu Agwu.
Here are 6 Isiagu-centred looks curated to inspire the modern Igbo groom
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