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

Wow!

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.