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By
Obododimma Oha
"Nwamkpi" or "mkpi" (He-goat) features in Igbo wise sayings in some interesting ways. Is it because "nwamkpi", with what looks like a beard, what some call "goatee," looks funny or what? Is it because "Nwamkpi" with its unique aroma, is highly preferred as meat in what is popularly known as "pepper soup"? Here are some of the proverbs :
1. Nwamkpi sị na ebe ya jere ikwunne ya ka mụtara ịjaghe ọnụ (The he-goat said it was where he visited his mother's relatives that he learned to open his upper lip).
2. Nwamkpi sị na ya ma na amaghị agba egwu, ma erughuru mụbara ya, ya gbaba/ ya awụlibe elu (The he-goat said that he knew that he did not know how to dance, but if soldier ants, beat drums for him, he would start dancing /he would start jumping up).
3. Nwamkpi na-esu afụrụ ma ajị ekweghị sị hụ ya (The he-goat is really sweating but we can't see it because of hair).
4. Ihe na-esi nwamkpi n'ahụ dị n'okpuru ya (The smell of the he-goat proceeds from under him).
5. Nwamkpi sị na njepụ bụ njepụ (nkwụtọba bụ nkwụtọba). (The he-goat said his slight sexual effort is worthwhile).
6. Lee Nwamkpi na nkịrịka ọgọdọ̀ (See the he-goat and rags).
Two types of featuring are involved : the type that reports what the he-goat was said to have said and the type in which the he-goat's action is only reported.
The type that reports what the he-goat was said to have said:
This type of reporting that is used as wise saying is normally called "wellerism." The funny idea is that we can learn to be wise from lower animals, in other words, pocket our arrogance. Also, in this reporting of the he-goat, we have rich wisdom about learning from others, being forced to something by circumstance, and about sexuality.
We just have to learn from others. They are also our teachers, especially elderly relatives. The he-goat learnt to do what his kind naturally does. We can see that this kind of proverb can easily be used to appeal to a situation as being natural. But we can also learn the unnatural!
The he-goat is also reported to have said something about an inevitable circumstance. Natural situation again! The he-goat said that he knew that he did not know how to dance, but must dance when soldier ants beat the drums for him. Beating the drums for him is a figurative way of saying "attack him". Other versions would say, "if there is a drumbeat in his father's courtyard and he doesn't know what to do, he would start jumping up and down." There is obviously an attempt at humouring the action of the he-goat. But we know the animal is in great trouble. It is not a laughable matter!
The action of the he-goat is also euphemized, in line with this humouring. The struggle against the attack by soldier ants is being configured as "jumping" and "dancing," but we know that this is misleading.
He-goats like sex, no wonder the he-goat itself has become a metaphor and symbol for a man who likes making love. Not surprised the he-goat has something to say about sex. He is commending himself, saying the effort is worthwhile, even if not thorough! Obviously, this is exaggerated, since the he-goat and sex are linked!
So, "nwamkpi" is stereotyped as a sexomaniac. Who says that sex cannot lead to death? Ask "mkpi." He can tell. Master of "nkwụtọba."
OK, let examine the actions reported.
The He-goat's actions/experiences:
We are told that the he-goat is sweating, but that the hair it has prevents us from knowing. But why is he sweating? Maybe troubles or problems it encounters. The he-goat should face responsibility and sweat more. This is not "nkwụtọba." This is action and calls for solution, not mere sweating.
Or maybe he is sweating in his "nkwụtọba." We know how committed he-goats could be to "nkwụtọba."
In #3, the he-goat is confessing that he, too, is struggling, watchers may not know. That confession is like it. Another person may not know that the person said to be enjoying is also suffering. If we are where we are, we dream of being where we are not! So, the he-goat is right. The he-goat is a philosopher!
So, I may be sweating, even though I am driving Mercedes-Benz 500 and the air conditioner is fully on. You can come and confirm it. In that case, have I not suddenly put on the skin of "nwamkpi" ? That means that "nwamkpi" is not just that bearded animal on four legs. There are other "nwamkpi" sweating profusely, even though shielded by hair.
Oh, that smell! Where is it coming from, now that there is no air freshener around. I suspect that it is coming from under that he-goat. Maybe I got this idea from the link between he-goats and smells. Sometimes, there is that cultural assumption that he-goats are associated with smelling. Is this assumption valid? Anyway, if the smell is assumed to be coming from under the he-goat, someone should do something about it. Maybe a thorough bath and a perfume.
But consumers of he-goat peppersoup may like that treatment. Anyway, the smell seems to go with mortal liking. So, let's let it rest.
Then, another unfortunate stereotype in the proverb lore: the he-goat and being in rags. What has he-goatness got to do with being in rags? What does it mean to be "in rags"? Rag represents penury. So, if it is being used in narrating the he-goat's condition, it is obviously a dyphemism and an attempt at showing how bad things are with him. This again may be an exaggeration. "nwamkpi" may not have it that bad.
To put all together, "nwamkpi" is an interesting character but teaches us. Who says that the bad cannot teach goodness? It is a paradox but we should know that "nkwụtọba" is "nkwụtọba."
