Final answer:
The 'eqwugwu' are men from the village disguised as ancestral spirits who are feared and respected; they resolve disputes within the Igbo clan. Their role is akin to that of neutral conflict mediators in other cultures, and they function within a system based on consensus and shared responsibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'eqwugwu' refers to the masked representatives of ancestral spirits in Igbo culture, a part of the traditional belief system of the Igbo people of Nigeria. Traditionally, these figures are respected and hold significant power over societal matters, including the adjudication of disputes within the community. To directly answer the student's questions: 1) The eqwugwu are indeed men from the village who masquerade as the ancestral spirits of the clan, embodying the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. 2) They are held in high regard and often feared due to the authority they represent. 3) They do play a crucial role in deciding domestic and land disputes, thus serving an important function in maintaining order and justice within the clan.
Comparatively, the leopard-skin chiefs of the Nuer people, as described by E.E. Evans-Pritchard, also served as informal mediators of conflict, although their role did not involve masquerading as spirits. The Igbo societal structure, as detailed in various historical references, underscores the importance of consensus and collective responsibility, where leaders, such as the eqwugwu, did not hold coercive power but facilitated communal discussion and decision-making.