The Igbo men traditional attire is called Isiagu, also known as Chieftaincy. This is made with high-quality suede materials. Isiagu (or Ishi agu) is usually patterned with lions heads embroidered over the clothing, It can also be plain,
Before the advent of this material and other fabrics, Igbo men preferred wearing a loincloth. This is a piece of garment that covers the private parts of the male body. The loincloth was often kept in place by a belt or fastened at the back. This is worn to the farms and markets back then. As civilization took place in this part of the world, there were different fabrics adorned by men. The introduction of the Isiagu attire has since added class to the Igbo men’s fashion.
The Igbo people are a large ethnic group and they have a very rich culture and tradition. Isiagu is one of their dressings that are adored in every land. This attire is traditionally adorned by men, especially when receiving a chieftaincy title. Nowadays, it is worn by people of different status and ages. It is a perfect outfit to wear to special occasions such as a wedding, naming, and coronations and so on.
Since the last 50 to 60 years Igbos has managed to portray this fabric design as their classic cultural emblem. Even as something of a totem. Igbo chiefs and nze and ọzọtitleholders use it to make their ceremonial gears. At native marriage ceremonies and similar cultural events, isiagụ garments of different colours and styles grace the day. Igbo people feel a certain sense of pride when they dress in isiagụ attire. Even non-Igbos regards isiagụ as being to Igbos what the tartan is to Scots. Or the yarmulke is to Jews. Such is the impression, that when they are identifying with or participating at an Igbo traditional practice (eg taking an Igbo chieftaincy), they dress in isiagụgear. Recent examples include President Buhari, Fayose, Zuma.
So, Isiagu remains the official ceremonial dressing of the Igbo people from the Eastern part of Nigeria.
