THE ROLE OF THEOMORPHISM AND ANTHROPOMORPHISM IN THE PRESERVATION OF IGBO ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURE

Abstract

This research examines the role of theomorphism and anthropomorphism in the preservation of the Igbo environment and culture. The study explores the ways in which traditional Igbo religious beliefs, cultural values, and symbolic representations of nature contribute to environmental conservation and cultural continuity. An investigation is conducted into the relationship among spirituality, indigenous ecological knowledge, and environmental ethics within Igbo society. A qualitative systematic literature review methodology was employed for the study, utilizing secondary data sourced from scholarly journals, books, cultural studies, and historical publications covering the period from 2020 to 2025. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the collected data. The findings indicate that theomorphism and anthropomorphism exert substantial influence on the formation of environmental consciousness among the Igbo people. Sacred forests, rivers, animals, and natural objects are frequently associated with spiritual beings and ancestral powers, thereby promoting environmental protection and sustainable resource management. The study also identified that modernization, Westernization, Christianity, and urbanization have contributed to the decline of traditional environmental practices and cultural values. The study concludes that indigenous belief systems remain important instruments for environmental sustainability and cultural preservation within Igbo society. The research recommends the incorporation of indigenous ecological knowledge into contemporary environmental policies and educational frameworks.