Nwa Ekpo, boy's masquerade
Nimo

Mgbedike or Agu neche Enyi (leopard/elephant)
Nimo

Akhenaten:

A Medicine Man with his Stock in Trade

What are the geometric patterns behind him for, and what are they made on (what is the wall behind him made of)? Any ideas?

Akhenaten:

[b]Obugula Mmau
[/b]Amuobia village

Now this is just too cool.



Do people still perform any kind of masquerades using costumes like these today? The Yorubas are still doing gelede, and the Hausas are still doing their horsemanship competitions. It would be a shame if art and tradition this creative was allowed to fade away because of modern lifestyles.

PhysicsHD:


What are the geometric patterns behind him for, and what are they made on (what is the wall behind him made of)? Any ideas?

The patterns are similar to the patterns used by the Igbo secret societies that are found in Abia State and some of the Cross River Igbo communities. It looks like the patterns were made on a type textile that was common in the region at that time.

PhysicsHD:


Now this is just too cool.



Do people still perform any kind of masquerades using costumes like these today? The Yorubas are still doing gelede, and the Hausas are still doing their horsemanship competitions. It would be a shame if art and tradition this creative was allowed to fade away because of modern lifestyles.

Most Igbo communities still perform masquerades using costumes. You see many of the masquerades occur during festivals as well as religious holidays. I seen many in Alaigbo, when I went home for Christmas. The tradition is still alive and well. You can even find Igbo masquerades in Igbo communities in the United Kingdom and the United States. Plus, masquerades are still done in the Caribbean and Latin America, since the Igbo slaves brought their culture to the region as well. I will create another thread dedicated to the African elements found in the Caribbean and Brazil.

Great Pictures, Intense costumes!

That Igbo girls hair, is that natural or an attachment?

Akhenaten:

Igbo Sculpture

Now, that's some Sculpture, looks like it can walk!

Kilode?!:

Great Pictures, Intense costumes!

That Igbo girls hair, is that natural or an attachment?

I believe that hair is all natural. Traditional hair styles were very elaborate for women. However, metal jewelry and other material would be added to the hair styles as well.

Ogaranya (a powerful man), Nimo

Onu Kamma maskers (mouth stronger than sword), Nimo

Onu Kamma masker (mouth stronger than sword), Nimo

Ikwerri Igbo

Parade of Masks -- Okerevinwe, Oweremba, Aka Leke, Adachinwa, Abam, Jack, Oyiaro, Oki -- Rumuji Owu Play

The musicians accompaning the dance -- Rumuji Owu Play

Ebeule Uku (Water Ram, mythical beast) -- Rumuji Owu Play

Ajaiku masquerade
Ovim village

[b]Elder attending Ajouku masquerade
[/b]Ovim village

[b]Drummers for Ajouku masquerade Note: children holding the drums
[/b]Ovim village

Akhenaten where in Jesus name did you find those pictures ? the are awesome.Thank god for the Internet, most of us that were not around in the

early years can at least see a glimpse of our culture from years back. Biko post more my brother.

Lovely.

If people look closely to the titles of each photo, you will see that these pictures were taken from different sections of Igboland. From Ikwerri to Awka to Ika. Yet, similarities still exist amongst these Igbo communities.

Makes you wonder why some Igbo groups want to stress the small differences in our customs even though we are one people.

Akhenaten:

If people look closely to the titles of each photo, you will see that these pictures were taken from different sections of Igboland. From Ikwerri to Awka to Ika. Yet, similarities still exist amongst these Igbo communities.

Makes you wonder why some Igbo groups want to stress the small differences in our customs even though we are one people.

Take a close look from Bini to Ibibio. To Igala/Idoma, down to Ijo. Those same masquerading similarities also seem to be present. So I guess we should all be one big happy family, then, ehn kwa? Needless to say though, there are legitimate distinction between the various masquerading cultures, even among the Igbo groups, themselves. Not mere 'small differences'.

ChinenyeN:

Take a close look from Bini to Ibibio. To Igala/Idoma, down to Ijo. Those same masquerading similarities also seem to be present. So I guess we should all be one big happy family, then, ehn kwa?

But do they speak our language? We are united by our language even though our language has many dialects. Yes, the cultural masquerades have diffused amongst different groups, but I am talking about Igbos in particular.

I was only expanding the analogy you seemed to be using as a basis for your brotherhood argument and looking to see how well it realistically holds up; just to put things into perspective for you. Also, I'm not here to discuss 'Igbo unity', because I know (better yet, I knew from the time you started making these topics) that you and I will do everything but agree on that subject. Instead, such a discussion will only serve to further polarize current viewpoints. Forgive me if this all seems a bit presumptious, but that's the impression you've made with your topics.

Now, let's leave that "brotherhood" topic alone and you can just continue sharing more colonial pictures, because I'd really like to see more. I like them.

ChinenyeN:

I was only expanding the analogy you seemed to be using as a basis for your brotherhood argument and looking to see how well it realistically holds up; just to put things into perspective for you. Also, I'm not here to discuss 'Igbo unity', because I know (better yet, I knew from the time you started making these topics) that you and I will do everything but agree on that subject. Instead, such a discussion will only serve to further polarize current viewpoints. Forgive me if this all seems a bit presumptious, but that's the impression you've made with your topics.

Your presumptions are correct. Not only am I a Pan-African, I am a Pan-Igboist. (Please forgive me for creating that word). I am a huge supporter of a Pan-Igbo identity. However, I do believe that there can be unity through diversity. All the vast Igbo clans have some differences in cultural identities, but I still believe that we Igbos share not only the same language, but the same culture with small differences.

Suten Akhenaten carry go, nothing do you. Please, if these could be added here as well (with permissions from RichyBlack)

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-500126.928.html#msg6684003

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-500126.928.html#msg6683960

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-500126.928.html#msg6684036

Akhenaten:

If people look closely to the titles of each photo, you will see that these pictures were taken from different sections of Igboland. From Ikwerri to Awka to Ika. Yet, similarities still exist amongst these Igbo communities.

Makes you wonder why some Igbo groups want to stress the small differences in our customs even though we are one people.

Thanks and May the Peace of Our Lord be with you.

Wooden flute (oja) colonial era.