CROWTHER JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

This paper explores the nuanced role of deafness within Igbo cosmology and mythology, examining its implications for the spiritual lives of deaf individuals. Drawing on oral traditions, religious practices, and mythological narratives, this study reveals how deafness is perceived and symbolized in Igbo culture. It argues that, rather than being solely seen as a physical condition, deafness in Igbo cosmology carries profound spiritual significance. The research delves into how deaf individuals are integrated into traditional religious practices and the symbolic meanings attributed to deafness in mythological tales, such as in the stories of divine beings or ancestors who communicate beyond the realm of sound. By analyzing these narratives and practices, the paper highlights how deafness is both a marker of difference and a conduit for unique spiritual experiences in Igbo society. This study contributes to a broader understanding of how disability and spirituality intersect; challenging Western-centric views on disability by showcasing the cultural and spiritual richness embedded in Igbo perspectives on deafness.

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