Umueri 2019 Ovala and importance of Ijele masquerade

The Igbo tribe in western africa with a region in eastern nigeria has arguably one of the best cultural heritage in Africa, and today, I bring you the mighty Masquerade. "Ijele"

1. Studies have shown that the Ijele masquerade has its roots from the Akunechenyi dance group from Umudiani in Umueri communitie in Anambra State.

2. Available resources also show that the original idea for the masquerade is to celebrate royalty and greatness in Igboland.

3. It is regarded as the biggest masquerade in sub-Saharan Africa.

4. It stands at between 12ft-15ft.

5. It was listed in the UNESCO Archives as an intangible cultural element in need of urgent safeguarding.

6. It is believed that in the olden days, 45 other masquerades performed on top of the Ijele (signifying its kingship above all other eastern masquerades). These masquerades are represented today by 45 figurines on top of the Ijele.

7. It takes about a hundred men to put the Ijele costume in order.

8. It performs both at the death of important people in the village, members of the Ijele family and during the death of the oldest person in the village, the ijele performs during Ovala, Iwaji and other keynote festival in Umueri and beyond.

9. It holds numerous significances. For instance, the fact that the Ijele can bow down to royalty and authority shows that no one is above ‘bowing’ down.

10. The Ijele MUST never touch the ground, if it does, it is considered dead and the carrier and his family can never bear the Ijele again.

11. A london museum under the house of UNESCO once estimated the "ijele" to generate roughly $20.5 billion dollars annually when displayed at the museum.

Indeed Ijele is part of our rich cultural heritage that needs preservation and we must do our best to preserve it. Remember our ijele performs at festival of art and culture festac 77 and won gold medal on it category. 

Come to this year Ovala as it will perform and dance the Royal dance to the applause of the fan's. Umueri Ekene Mu U
nu.

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