Igbo+Oracles+by+Liam

Purpose: The oracles were highly feared and revered shrines dedicated to gods or goddesses. They were located in isolated parts of the wilderness, surrounded by bushes to hide them. Nonetheless, everybody knew the locations of the oracles, and would consult them to solve issues that they couldn't solve themselves, such as: People would accept the outcomes of the oracles no matter what, because they took the oracles' decisions as the word of god, which therefore could not be disputed. The oracles were respected widely by not only the Igbo people, but even the European colonists who came to know of significant oracles such as the Aro oracle through their reputation. Many people would generously donate food, money, and other valuable assets as sacrifices to the gods. The priest/priestess would receive a part of these donations. Although the donations represented a significant amount of resources, the reverence of the Igbo people was such that they were willing to sacrifice their own comfort to please the gods.
 * Family conflicts
 * Criminal investigations
 * Medicine
 * Business issues
 * Solving issues of bad luck such as poor harvests or high twin birth rates

Priests/ Priestesses: The regular Igbo people were not allowed to look at the oracle itself, as this would mean looking at a god. Therefore, they had to communicate with the oracle via a priest or priestess, who could look at the oracle and who had great authority on behalf of the god or goddess that was being represented by the oracle. The priest or priestess was also a part of the community, and would usually have another job. The priests and priestesses would also travel throughout different villages to help those in need.