Forward to the Past

Whatever may be the perception, the evidence about the more recent trends of globalization indicates that it is more inherently a Western rather than a universal phenomenon. This is perhaps because globalization in all aspects of its manifestations has remained essentially a form of cultural capital that does of itself but operates through other economic and political elites (Ashcroft et. al 2000). Significantly, although the production and dissemination of knowledge across borders is designed to facilitate the inter-penetration of global and local socio-cultural processes, its consequences, so far, betray the effects of domination by the powerful centres of global culture and media technology. This work which covers three cultural practices among Nigerian peoples is a report from the frontline covering the marital practices among the Hausa people of Kano in North Western Nigeria, Egwu Imoka festival in Awka Anambra State in Eastern Nigeria and the Osun-Osogbo festival in Oshogbo South Western Nigeria. It should serve as a good source material for the student and scholars of culture and globalization within Africa and beyond.