In many ancient Igbo communities, animals like goats and chickens were mostly kept in the front yard of family compounds. While this might seem like a simple practice of convenience, there was a much deeper spiritual and protective significance behind it.

Otutu Alusi Justice System

The Igbo justice system was largely tied to Otutu Alusi, a process in which cases were reported to a community deity or shrine for mystical resolution. If the accused party was found guilty through spiritual means, the punishment could be severe—usually resulting in death. However, this punishment was not always limited to the guilty party alone. In many cases, any member of their bloodline could be affected, leading to sudden and unexplained deaths within the family.

Because of this, families sought protective measures to shield their loved ones from unintended mystical consequences. One of the most common methods was keeping specific animals in the front yard like chickens or goats as a sacrificial buffer between their family and unseen forces.

Animals as Spiritual Shields

The belief was that when a supernatural force arrived to claim a life from a guilty person’s bloodline or family, it could be diverted to an animal instead. If a mystical force sought to deliver misfortune, the hope was that it would take the life of an animal rather than that of an innocent family member.

There were many instances where people would wake up to find one of their animals dead for no apparent reason. The elders, understanding the spiritual significance, would perform necessary rituals to cleanse the compound and, in some cases, seek Afa divination to confirm if further action was needed.

A Protective Barrier Against Malevolent Forces

Beyond just the Otutu Alusi justice system, this practice also served as a general protective shield against malevolent spirits, curses, and attacks. The front yard was symbolically considered the first line of defense for the family in the spiritual realm, making it the ideal place to keep these protective animals. It was believed that any hostile force approaching the compound at night would encounter these animals first, sparing the family from direct harm.

This is why animals were typically kept in the front yard rather than the backyard—they had to be the first point of contact for any wandering spirits or mystical forces seeking entry into the household.

Concluding Thoughts

This ancient practice reflects the deep spiritual awareness and wisdom of Igbo ancestors, especially given the context of cultural practices they had to live with at the time. They understood that unseen forces played a role in life and death, and they took steps to interact with these forces intelligently. They created a balance that allowed justice to be served while also safeguarding their families from unintended consequences by using animals as intermediaries.

Even today, remnants of this tradition can still be seen in some Igbo villages, serving as a reminder of the complex and spiritually rich worldview of our ancestors.