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ARTISTIC ELEMENTS IN EKPE MASQUERADE

ABSTRACT

This project report has been systematically organized to facilitate learning and build life skills, and varied activities are incorporated to make the process enjoyable. It also drew from published works of Art history, African culture and Art methodology, to educate and inform the public on the typical African culture that involves masquerade. The researcher has also drawn the attention of upcoming researchers to the reawakening of the African art through realism. I hope that this text will be accessed and regarded as achieving my “ aims” at list, to some extent.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND HISTORY OF EKPE MASQUERADE IN OHAFIA 

Ekpe masquerade is a popular masquerade among the Rivers, cross – river and Abia state of the federal republic of Nigeria.  According to the research made on the history of Ekpe masquerade it convincingly provide on specific date on when the Ekpe masquerade tradition started.  Hence the fact that Ekpe masquerade tradition has lasted for thousands of years still masks the topic a crucial one to be studied.  Several researcher conducted recently have proven originator or root of this tradition to be the Efik speaking people of cross river state, usually populated in the capital, calaba.  Nde Ohafia or Ohafia people Assimilated the Igba Ekpe (Ekpe festival) through their migration from Ndoni to Andoni as taught by the Ohafia folklore. 

The research traced the origin of Ohafia propel as rebels of Owan, Benin Kingdom in the present Edo state of Nigeria. Their ancestors waged war against the authority they set off to settle in Ndoni. Ndoni is in Delta state while Andoni is in River state From Andoni the journey took through Mben, Isieke, Louur Ibeku, Bende, Ozu Abam and then to where we now call Ohafia. The history has notified the Nde Ohafia to have assimilated the culture of Igba Ekpe from their host (Andoni).  For many years now, Nde Ohafia has retained the Igba Ekpe or Ekpe festival to mark their Age grade system in their various villages that make up the six autonomous communities are Ama The village are specifed under their respective  Autonomous communities for a clear understanding  (1) Ama Ukwu Amangwu (capital)  (2) Ania  Abia  Akanu Amankwu  Isingwu Ndi Uduam Awoke  The capital is Abia. The name is acronym of the village. 

3. EBEM OHA

4. ISIAMA 
EBEM (Capital) Amaekpu 
Ihenta Elu (the capital of Ohafial as well as  Ndi Amogu Ndi Anyia Orie (Extinct Ndi Okala the capitia of Isama Ndi Nku  Ndi Uduma Ukwu Nkwebi Obro, Okigwe 

5. OHAOFIA OHON AKU 

Amkue Okon Asaga Eziafor Ndi Ibe Ndi Orieke  The surrounding communities such as Arochukwu, Afikpo, Nkoro, Abirba, Item and Igbere have village with similar names.  The Age groups that celebrate the Igba Ekpe or Ekpe festival among the 25 village are under Listed.  1. Uke Abiriba 
2. Uke Mekwaeme 
3. Uke Oakome 
4. Uke Amasiri 
5. Uke Georfe 
6. Uke Bianko 
7. Uke Amogu 
8. Uke Enyi 
9. Uke ndenyi 
10. Uke London 
11. Uke Ozurumba 
12. Uke Amekpu 
13. Uke Damba 
14. Uke 
These are but few Age groups in Ohaofia communities.