Influence of Igala Culture on Spatial Relationships and Space Distributions within Households in Anyigba Kogi State

Abstract

Cultural influences over spatial relationships for a long time has been an aspect of architecture well researched, unfortunately there exist limited studies on the architecture of the Igala people. This study assessed the cultural factors within the Igala kingdom which affects spatial relationships and organisations within some selected households in Anyigba. Four main settlements exist in Anyigba namely; Iji, Aji-Tachi, Obeya and Egume-Ankpa Road. Qualitative approach to data gathering was used in the form of observation and participant interviews, floor plans of the households adopted for this study were sketched and a comparative analysis on the various spaces was made, pictures were also taken, the data collated were presented in tabular form, the data sourced was analysed using narrative and content analysis. It was deducted that security, privacy and Atakpa: (the hut where most activities take place) are the main cultural factors that determine spatial relationships and organisations within the Igala household. It is hereby recommended that for a sustainable actualisation of incorporating Igala culture into its architecture these established cultural factors should be made as a policy and enforced on professionals by the authorising agencies when a new household is being conceived.