IJAW, a people inhabiting the provinces of Owerri and Warri, Southern Nigeria. No tribal organization exists; hereditary chiefs in the towns have civil and religious functions, aided by councils of elders. Extended family groups live side by side. Marriage is permitted between near relations. When the bride-price is high, the wife cannot leave her husband, and children belong to the father ; when it is small, divorce is possible and children belong to the mother. The brother inherits. They practise agriculture and arboriculture, are animists, have secret societies and age classes. There are slight indications of totemism.