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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Culture / Amazing Facts About The Igbo Ijele Masquerade (2360 Views)
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Amazing Facts About The Igbo Ijele Masquerade by Nobody: 8:41pm On May 10, 2015 |
That Ijele originated from Anambra State in Nigeria many centuries ago is not in doubt. According to UNESCO recent commentary on the Origin of Ijele Masquarade, It is believed that a dance group called Akunechenyi from Umuleri & Aguleri communities along the eastern tributaries of the River Niger in Anambra State gave rise to Ijele. It was originally intended to intimidate and scare away the early missionaries as well as celebrate royalty and greatness in Igboland. However, the origin of Ijele according to available Oral story, emanated from Akwunechenyi dance group belonging to Umudiana Village of Ikenga Umueri . It was this very group that performed the first "izi egwu ijele"(introduction of the Mask) to other communities. The first Village to be introduced was Umuatuolu Village of Umueri, subsequently followed by Igboezunu Aguleri, Nsugbe, Nneyi Umueri, Nando, Awkuzu etc. Its pertinent to note that Igboezunu Aguleri was instrumental to introduction of the masquarade to Ivite Aguleri, Igbariamu, Nteje, and some other Villages outside Omabala areas. In recognizing the roles played by Umueri in the Origin of Ijele, the Old Anambra State Government unanimously selected Umueri Ijele Cultural troupe, to represent the State in Festival of Art & Culture known as FESTAC 1977 of which the groups won various Awards & accolades for excellence from the Federal Government in 1977 . Description Ijele is the largest mask system ever to enter the history of the world masking tradition. It comprises two segments: the upper and the lower segments, divided at the centre by a big python. The upper segment is called Mkpu Ijele while the lower segment is called Akpakwuru Ijele or Ogbanibe and the centre is called Eke - Ogba (Python). Ijele towers about 15 ft to 12 ft based on gravitational balance construction. It is built around the intricacy of multicolor cloths, bamboo sticks and canes in line with a creative hand element. Due to its weighty size, an outdoor big house must be prepared for Ijele anywhere it will perform. It takes about 100 men to work for six months in preparation of Ijele costumes and house before an outing performance. Relevance of the Masquerade Ijele is a special masquerade in Anambra State, Nigeria. It is the King of all Masquerades and as such has 45 different other masquerades perform on top of it in the olden days. Presently, the 45 masquerades are represented by the 45 figurines seen on top of Ijele. The myth and size of Ijele is wholesome as every aspect of life is depicted on Ijele. It is the climax of all masquerades hence performs alone and mostly last. Ijele is a family of 4: the mother; father; police and palm wine taper which will be discussed under the Ijele family below. Structure of the Masquerade Nne Ijele meaning "Mother of Ijele". She is a usually beautiful lady masquerade that holds a big ox tail with a carved enamel plate. It performs dances to flute and soft music. Ijele Father called "Onuku": It has a big face and dresses in chieftaincy regalia. Ijele Police: they are usually six. Their duty is to ensure that the people do not encroach on Ijele father or mother. Ijele Palm Wine Tapper: It accompanies Ijele for the sole purpose of picking its rear as it performs. Another significant personality is the Ijele fan carrier of Akupe carrier. It is not really a masquerade but it plays crucial role of leading the Ijele with its symbolic powerful fan called Akupe. Once the Ijele loses sight of the fan and its carrier, it gets lost and it signifies danger. Ijele moves when the fan carrier moves and also stops when it stops. Ijele Music Ijele has a special brand of band group that entertains it whenever he performs. It dances majestically to the royal band group called and known as "Igba-eze" - Royal Band group or literally known as drums of the Kings popularly called "Akunechenyi" in Igbo language. The musical instruments includes 4 drums, ogene, ubom, uyo, Ekwe, flute (Oja - ufele), wooden clapper (aja - oja) amongst others. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ijele_Masquerade
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Re: Amazing Facts About The Igbo Ijele Masquerade by akinboyepelumi9: 8:42pm On May 10, 2015 |
Wow! |
Re: Amazing Facts About The Igbo Ijele Masquerade by captainBIAFRA(m): 8:47pm On May 10, 2015 |
Re: Amazing Facts About The Igbo Ijele Masquerade by OdenigboAroli(m): 10:52pm On May 11, 2015 |
Ijele nnukwu nmuo. A great and intimidating masqurade to behold with the rich beats of drums and wooden gong that goes along with it. No masqurade enters the court while the mighty Ijele is still on....Ijele na nmuo anaro akwu n'ogbo. Ijele Umuoji brought glory to Anambra during cultural festival some years back. 2 Likes |
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