Salvage Ethnography Study of Ikponyi Masquerade in Igbo-Eze South L.G.A., Enugu State
Conference: ISA 22nd Annual International Conference (2025)
Presenter(s): Ijeoma Pauline Ogbonne
Tags: 2025 Nsukka University of Nigeria Ijeoma Pauline Ogbonne
Abstract
This study explores the ethnography of Ikponyi masquerade, a means of social control in Igboeze South L.G.A of Enugu State, Nigeria. In this clime, the Ikponyi masquerade is revered that whatever it pronounces represents the voice of the gods of the community. The religious, spirituality and social cohesion of Ikponyi as an instrument used to expose evil in the community is what this study intends to evaluate. Ikponyi as a spirit would appear deep in the night, hide within the premises of a perceived defaulter, it would mimic the voice of an animal to announce evils in the society such as murder, adultery, poisoning, theft, hypocrisy and back-biting to the hearing of everyone. Ikponyi was practiced within “uzo” communities in the local government. This research aims to document the masquerade’s historical activities, performances and practices as well as other roles in contemporary society through observations and interviews approaches of qualitative method of research. Ikponyi masquerade is not for entertainment but for education and conscientization, a complex cultural tradition that contains the values, beliefs and social structures in Igbo-eze South and the surrounding communities. The study intends to reveal the challenges faced by this tradition and the need for its preservation.
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