Exploring Histo-Cultural Heritage of Ndi Igbo: A Study of ‘Nmonwu’ Igbo Masquerades Arts
Conference: ISA 22nd Annual International Conference (2025)
Presenter(s): Baldwin Chika Anyasodo
Tags: 2025 Nigeria Owerri Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Baldwin Chika Anyasodo Imo State
Abstract
African art is conceptual, emotional, communal and symbolic of African cultures. The concept is the beliefsystem of the people. In most parts of Africa, particularly the Igbo geo-cultural areas of South-Eastern Nigeria, there is strong belief in “Chi” (God). They believe in life after death, in the spirit world 'Ana-mmụọ' or Ala mmụọ. They believed that their forefathers (ancestors) are alive in the spirit world watching how well their descendants are playing the game of life. This is why when a taboo is committed; there must be appeasement of the gods and the ancestors "Ịkwaa Ala". This explains why their arts is classified under two groups (i) the man-regarding art and (ii) the spirit-regarding art. African arts is utilitarian and highly aesthetic. Both the plastic and performing arts. This study focused on the masks and Masquerades of ndi Igbo of Nigeria. It discussed the role of these artifacts in the contemporary African society (Ndi Igbo). The study sets out to determine the extent of the impact of these art forms and ideas on the spiritual, legal and socio-political life of the people. It also discussed the impact of African arts in the Diaspora. The study acknowledges the inevitable role of language in the culture of the people. The Aim of the study is to explore the cultural and educational content of African arts for possible development and contribution to learning, for scholars interested in African studies particularly Igbo studies.
6 views