The Opongi festival 14 (1980-01-01) by Nigeria Magazine (Federal Ministry of Information)Archiving
The ₦20,000 Masquerade of Umuleri
In 1970s Umuleri, Anambra State, the sacred Ijele masquerade cost ₦20,000 to create, appearing every five years through community fundraising and elaborate rituals.
1. The Costly Tradition of the 1970s
Masquerade traditions exist in every part of Nigeria. Cross River State celebrates the Ekpe masquerade. Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, and Kwara, are home to the Egungun masquerades. But in the 1970s, there was a masquerade tradition in the country that cost a remarkable ₦20,000 to create.
3. When Ijele Appears
Ijele follows no fixed schedule, appearing at least once every five years when young men in the community take the initiative and can also be commissioned at the request of individuals willing to bear the cost.
4. How Ijele Comes Together
The creation of Ijele begins when men of the community gather to assemble the materials needed for its performance. Once ready, the items are displayed in the village square, where the entire Umuleri community watches as the men demonstrate how the masquerade is brought to life.
5. More Preparations
After the public display, the men retreat to Odaegu, a house on the town’s outskirts dedicated to masquerade activities. The public display serves to gain the community’s approval for the upcoming performance, with the official performance date announced afterwards.
6. The Fundraising Begins
Community fundraising then begins, with each person contributing according to their means, aiming to raise exactly ₦20,000 for the construction of Ijele. Once the sum is collected, the builders arrive and work at their own pace, with no fixed deadline for completion.
7. Ijele’s House
Another group constructs Odaijele, a ceremonial house for Ijele, near the village square. The community offers a ritual sacrifice of a goat and fowl to bless the foundation. Four young men demonstrate their skills, and the superior performer earns the honour of carrying Ijele.
8. The Chosen One
The selected performer enters a month-long seclusion for purification, avoiding all impure influences. Three spiritual men are hired for ₦1,000, along with ritual offerings of goats, fowl, palm wine, kolanuts, and yams to ensure clear weather and protect the masquerade.
Dinka Children by Fire Side by Carol Beckwith & Angela FisherAfrican Ceremonies
Dismantling Ijele
After its performance, Ijele is dismantled in Odaijele. The performer receives a goat and beer as reward. This powerful masquerade was so embraced that even early Christians accepted it.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.