Thread by @voiceoftheEast

The Ijele Masquerade, is the biggest known Masquerade in Africa. Ijele originated from the old Anambra State many centuries ago, According to UNESCO recent commentary The origin of Ijele according to available Oral story, emanated from Umueri.
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It was this very group that performed the first "izi egwu ijele"(introduction of the Mask) to other communities like Aguleri, Nsugbe,Nando, Awkuzu etc. Its pertinent to note Umuatuolu Umueri was instrumental to the introduction of Okeke masqurades to Igbariamu, Nteje, and some

other Villages outside Omabala areas. and In recognizing the roles played by Umueri in the Origin of Ijele, the Old Anambra State Government unanimously selected their Ijele Cultural troupe, led by Chief Obiako Raphael Anizoba (Agunech'ibe)of Umuatuolu village Umueri 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.

Ijele masquerades serves numerous social functions and marked successful harvests in addition to performing at the

burial ceremonies of dignitaries of both male and female gender, titled men and women, and kings.
These masks, towering several feet high, represent the progressive nature of human life. The numerous flags, poles, ribbons and figurines on these masks

were modifications that were made to the original and ever-expanding structure of the mask over a period of several decades. In today's modern perspective, the adaptive nature of Ijele masks, and their ability to evolve to maintain relevance, represent the evolution of Igbo

society and culture.
Ijele is a special masquerade in Anambra and Enugu State, It is the King of all Masquerades and as such has 45 different other masquerades perform on top of it in the olden days.
Determining the bearer of the masquerade was an extremely competitive exercise.

In order to develop the strength needed to bear the tremendous weight of the mask, contestants would engage in strenuous physical activity, while being placed on a restricted diet and abstaining from sexual intercourse for a period of three months.
#igbohistory #IgboAmaka #Ijele