IGWEKALA MASQUERADE FESTIVAL

  It has become a tradition and culture for almost if not all villages around the world to have a festival at least once in a year. In Italy, once in every year, festivities are held in every village. Our focus today is the Igwekala masquerade festival.

From Obowalla, Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo state, Igwekala masquerade festival. Igwekala is a name of a masquerade that appears once in every four years. Although, other smaller once come out every December.

In Obowella, Igwekala is regarded as the biggest masquerade. A compulsory selection is usually made by the kindred. The selection consist of older men of atleast 40 years or above. They are the coordinators.

The specified day for this festival is the Nkwo market. The people believe that the Igwekala is associated with the gods of the land so preparations are made at length. One common trend is that most of this masquerades come out during the Christmas and new year periods.

ELDER'S CORNER

Hello everyone, I bring to you some proverbs from the elder's corner. These are a few proverbs from the northern part of our beloved country.

Rua ba su yami banza

 Water does not get bitter without a cause. There is reason for everything

Ansan baki yana da j'an myo

It is well known that the mouth has red spittle(or that it looks red in the mouth), still white comes out. Though spittle in the mouth looks red, still when it comes out it is white. So, though you are hot with anger, let it come out cool. I know you are angry, still forgive him.

 Ba afafi giandumma ranan taffia

 The day of starting is not the time to prepare the giandumma. Giandumma, calabash with a narrow neck, which all carriers use for water on a march. Ffewa, hollowing out the pith from the inside of the giandumma. Don't leave a thing till the last minute.

 Later guys!

SALLAH CELEBRATION IN BAUCHI STATE

 Geographically, Bauchi State is located in the

northeastern part of Nigeria. The capital is Bauchi. The vegetation is mainly

savannah, with intermittent scrubs dotted here and there. The highlands are mainly

rocky and grassy with large expanse of lowland, which stretches for miles on end.

There are numerous streams and few rivers here and there which serve as fishing

grounds for the population. The people of Bauchi are mainly farmers, fishermen,

and crafts men. The language spoken is Hausa and the religion practised is Islam,

of which the people adhere strictly to the Islamic laws. So, it is worthy of note that

the people of Bauchi being core Islamic faithfuls celebrate ‘Sallah’ festivals.

“Sallah” festivals are of two types – the one during the fasting period (after the holy month of Ramadan) and the non- fasting period. During the celebration of the one before the fasting period which isknown as “Id el Fitri” the Chief Iman gives the go ahead after sighting the moon.

Immediately the moon is sighted, the fasting period starts, and this lasts for 29 days or if the moon is not sighted after, 30 days. In Bauchi, the inhabitants observe this period as a period of holiness and prayers are offered five times in a day. Fasting starts from 6:00am and ends 6:00pm daily.

This is observed strictly by all the inhabitants. Children and pregnant women as

well as older inhabitants are allowed to fast from 6:00am to 1:00pm as the case

may be. At the end of the 30 days fasting, all the inhabitants converge at

designated prayer grounds to offer prayers to Allah for a peaceful year and and a

year of progress.

In case of ‘Id el Kabir’ it is observed without fasting and this is celebrated as a

mark of respect for the climbing of mount Arafat in Mecca and to welcome back

home those pilgrims who went to Mecca to perform the ‘Hajj’. Happy sallah to you all.

OFE OWERRI SOUP

  Hello everyone, I just stumbled upon this wonderful soup. It is called Ofe Owerri soup. This soup is a delicacy from the Igbo people of Imo state. Let's begin;

Ingredients
Ugwu leaves
Uziza leaves
Meat/Chicken
Smoked Fish
Stock Fish
Ogiri
Crayfish
Cocoyam
Dry pepper (ground)
Palm Oil
Water
Salt

Quantities
2 medium bunches
1 medium bunch
8 medium pieces
1 medium size
4 medium pieces
1 wrap
1 bunch
2 tablespoon
1 tablespoon
1 cooking spoon
2 litres
to taste

Start by soaking your stockfish for around an hour. After that peel and cook your cocoyam until it is very soft; then pound it in a mortar until the paste comes out smooth.

Wash the meat or chicken very well before putting it in a pot; season it to your taste, add a little water and cook till soft and edible. Soak your smoked fish and add salt to kill any form of bacteria.When you have confirmed that your meat is done, you can add your stockfish and smoked fish and leave to cook for 4 minutes. Then you can add pepper, crayfish and palm oil.After about 2 minutes, add cocoyam in bits and leave to dissolve. Put shredded uziza and ugwu leaves, Ogiri and salt to taste, stir and then leave to simmer for about 5 minutes.

Bring down your pot of nutritious Ofe Owerri because it is ready for consumption. Sweet!

ELDER'S CORNER

    Well, I just thought of this and wanted it to be in effect as soon as possible. Elder's corner will be a series of articles that will be published almost daily. This will mainly be based on proverbs by elders from all over Nigeria. I welcome you to wisdom! We kick off with an Igbo proverb;

A cow without a tail, nature wades off flies for it. It is a general statement meaning when one is

suffering from difficulty or being persecuted and he is handicapped to defend himself, God will wade off those situations for him one way or the other.

   Hot soup is not sipped in a hurry. As always, this saying says it all about step by step procedures. It explains the fact that volatile situations should be handled with care.

IFA FESTIVAL

   In the south western part of Nigeria are the Yoruba people. Today, I bring you a little compilation of a popular festival among them called the Ifa festival. This is a festival observed by the idol worshippers in the land. Remember the town crier? Lol. A drum ( I think the talking drum) is used to summon the priests that are loyal to Ifa. Like many other traditions, the festival starts on a market day. Pounded yam and egusi soup are sprinkled on the oracle house.

The dress color of the priests is white. These priests dance and recite incantations all through the town with drumming in place.

The duration of the festival is a whole week each day used for checking the progress of their faithfuls. For those that want to know what is in store for them, they get to know that on the 5^th day. This ceremony is known as “Ibo”. Also, the person who sees bad in his/her future is told of rituals that needs to be done to avert the problem. On the last day, faithfuls gather at the shrine to discuss matters facing their members. Disciplinary action is also taken against those that have commited an offence. Singing and dancing as they move throughtthe village. Hmmm, tell me what you think.   

A FOLKLORE FROM OSUN STATE.

One day the tortoise decided to take a stroll after having a cool drink of palm wine.
As he walked along a narrow track road, he came face-to-face with the elephant.
“Out of my way! You puny little ant!” the elephant said.
“Ajanaku, address me with my due respect. Your pompous nature has gone into
your head” said the tortoise.
“Humph! Said Ajanaku, the elephant and stamped his great foot on the ground
with a loud thud.
“Don’t you know I’m the strongest animal in the whole kingdom?
Respect my foot” said Ajanaku.
“A very fat animal yes, but are you the strongest? I doubt that very much” said the
tortoise. With that the elephant uprooted a big tree and threw it far. “Do you still
doubt my strength or do I have to tear the whole forest for you to see? He asked.
“No, not that, that will only display brawns and not brains. I hereby challenge you
to a tug of war by noon tomorrow. Call every one you know to witness your
defeat. If you can pull me the little hill beside the river, then you are indeed as
powerful as you claim to be”.
“I accept,” boomed the elephant “I will not only pull you down, I will hurl you a
hundred miles!” He proclaimed as he walked away.
Now, the tortoise started thinking “oh my! What have I gotten myself into? My
big mouth and me! How do I hope to win a tug of war with Ajanaku? I must have taken too much palmwine and it started to make me run my mouth!” I better drink
some water to clear my head before I run into more trouble.” So the tortoise
stopped by the river side to get a cool drink to clear his head. Suddenly, a loud
splash and all the water turned muddy “who is that misbred nuisance” can’t you
see I’m trying to take a drink? The tortoise shouted.
“Ha! Ha!! Ha!!! Bald old tortoise! Can’t you see I’m trying to take a swim? It is I,
Erinokun the hippopotamus I own part of the river. So, I have all the right!” The
hippo said.
“Will you stop splashing about you big-for-nothing buffon before I get mad at
you!” the tortoise said.
“Ha! Ha!! You will have to drag me out for that and as you can see, that is
impossibility!”
Now an idea clicked in tortoise’s mind and he said, okay then tomorrow by noon, I
will come with a rope and I will drag you and if I don’t then, I owe you an

apology.

 I will be waiting but mind you, no hippo had ever been dragged out of the river, I

would rather drag you in!. Erinokun said as it swam on.

The next day, the tortoise got two very strong ropes and waited for Ajanaku just

down the little hill by the river-side Ajanaku came strolling down amidst cheers

from other animals who had gathered to watch.

The tortoise gave Ajanaku one end of a rope and told him I will go over on hill

with the other end and if you hear ‘pull’ you better pull with all your might or

else!.

“Or else what? You pull me up? Insult! Give me the rope and when you are ready

tell me”.

The tortoise now went over the hill the other side and called out to hippo

“Erinokun, I’m ready for the challenge Erinokun raised his head from the water

and caught the rope the tortoise threw at him with his mouth. I will go on top of

the hill and when I shout ‘pull’ you can pull me down the hill”.

So, the tortoise went up the hill this time and tied the two ropes together, he hid

behind a rock and shouted ‘PULL!!’.

The two beasts heard him and start pulling. At first they only gave the rope a little

tug, then when they knew it wouldn’t budge, they gave a little heave. When that

didn’t work, they started pulling and even tried walking backwards. In no time,

Ajanaku the elephant started sweating while Erinokun, the hippo, was snorting.

They both exerted themselves while the tortoise was eating kolanuts behind the

rock he was hiding. They pulled and pulled. After a long time, the elephant gave

up his pride and said “Enough!” he threw down the rope and stomped away in

disgrace, the tortoise now went to the hippo and said “Oh! I see I can’t pull you

out of the water so from now on I will take my drink down the river”.

“No! no, tortoise you,ve earned my respect I now see you are a strong one and I

apologize for my rudeness. You have the freedom to drink from here whenever

you please my friend.”

So the tortoise walked away feeling ten times taller and he said to himself “Really

there is strength in wisdom!.”

ELDERS AND WISE SAYINGS

   The words of an elder are words of wisdom. Yes, I've got a thing or two that I would like to share with you my dear readers. These are words from our own elders, Igboland to be precise.

You go around a pepper plant to pluck its fruits, it can't be climbed. It is mostly directed to matured minds meaning: You go around an issue to find a solution. You don't jump into conclusions

An elder will not be in the house and a goat tied to a peg gives birth. It is a general statement meaning- An elder will not be around and play deaf-ears to a problem. Or an elder will not be around to see injustice and abnormalities without taking action.

For more of this, follow @culturenaija on twitter,you can also like our page on facebook. Simply search culturenaija. CULTURENAIJA, PROUDLY NAIJA!  

DAMASK AS A HEAD TIE

   A peacock is one of the most adorned creatures on our planet earth. Not for its strength or pace but for its beauty as a result of a combination of so many wonderful colours. What makes a lady stand out in an occasion? If you said outfit then I will agree with you but if you were to be more precise...her damask!

Last week, I wrote a short article on the Yoruba traditional marriage where I emphasized on their colourful ceremonies and festivities (here). Guess what, they are at it again,lol. The damask as we all know can be said to be a type of head tie made from a fabric known as damask. Outside Africa, near Damascus, Syria to be precise, damask is said to be a weaving style or technique that originated in the early middle ages.

In Nigeria, the usage of damask not only as a head tie but also tied around the waist (by women) can be seen across the country. However, good things cost more they say. The price of this piece of beauty is quite high although it varies depending on its quality. Wear a damask today, look like a true Nigerian that you are, proudly Naija!  

YORUBA NAMES AND MEANIGS

  Language is used in communicating and sharing ideas within two or more people. The importance of language can be noticed so much that without language life would not be the same. Have you ever thought of yourself without a name? How would you be addressed? Lol, crazy world that would be.

In Africa, names have been connected with a childs future especially the traditional names. Some people give names according to the situation of the family when the child was born. Today, it has become a part of us. Below are a list of names and their meanings from the Yoruba speaking states of our beloved Nigeria;

• Oluwatobi – God is great
• Oluwasegun – God conquers
• Ikudaisi – Death preserves this person
• Ogundele – Ogun has come back home
• Ogunleke – Ogun has triumphed
• Ibukun – Blessing
• Oyatomi – Oya is enough for me
• Ifafumilayo – Ifa has given me joy
• Fatogunlola – Ifa is enough to give wealth
• Oyabunmi – Oya's gift
• Osunbunmi – Osun's gift
• Omoponle – Child honours me
• Adegbesan – The crown revenges
• Anikulapo – he who has death in his pouch
• Olamide – My wealth has come

There are many other names with unique and captivating meanings. One interesting fact is that most of these names can be given to both a male and female child. Great people, proudly Naija!  

TOWN CRIER

   Imagine a life with the absence of mobile phones and computers, a time when wireless and wired means of communication is absent. A time of town criers. Most of us would argue that it is impossible to exist in such a time probably because we are born and bred in an era of great technological advancement and mobile communication techniques.

I would describe a town crier as a traditional announcer of news, laws, decisions and many other matters of the village or community to its people. Personally, I still believe that they exist in some parts of the country. Hopefully I will found one and get you all a live video. That's that.

Different names are given to the town crier depending on the ethnic group. The Yorubas call him gbohungbonhu, Igbos call him Otiekwe while the Hausa use the word Sankira. Regardless of the name and ethnic group, the town criers serves as a message disseminator to the community.

In terms of efficiency, history shows that the town crier is very efficient in message delivery because; he knows his culture, his messages are taken to be credible and respected, his method of information(gong,elephant tusk) draws a lot of attention and he expresses his culture not only to match but also to fit the standard of the community.

According to my findings, the town crier does a free job as a news carrier. Also, the post is transferred from father to son in form of inheritance. Hehehe, what if you are supposed to be the next town crier in your community, would you do it in this present age of ours? Let me know what you think.   

sorry I havn't given you anything today, I'm working on something really cool. thanks for your understanding.

KOLA NUT AND OUR CULTURE

    From the tropical rain-forests of Africa. I bring you Kola nut, a fruit of kola tree. Kola nut is a caffeine containing nut of evergreen trees of the genus cola, primarily the species cola acuminata and cola nitida.

“He who brings kola brings life” these are the words of many elders during their meetings in the eastern part of Nigeria. In terms of taste, Kola nut is not very sweet rather it has a bittersweet taste and so are its significance and variance in our different and wonderful cultures.

The Hausa-Fulani of Nigeria treat and respect the usage of kolanut which they refer to as “gworo”. Since kolanut contains caffeine, it is used by most people to stop sleep or better still regulate their sleeping time to suite themselves. In Yoruba religion, kola nut is the favourite food of Ifa, the divination deity. Kola nut (Obi abata) in Yoruba land is treated with prestige probably because of its status as the favourite food of Ifa.

In Nigeria, almost if not all the groups have several uses for kolanuts especially during meetings by elders and during ceremonies. According to a book by Dr. M.O. Ene titled kola nut: food of the gods, “the Igbos hold the kola nut sacred, offering it at every gathering and to any visitor as a blessing, as refreshment or to seal a covenant. The prayers that precede the breaking and sharing of the nut are 'he who brings kola brings life'. This is the kola nut. This is the star. This is life. This star is us”.

Studies have shown that chewing kola nut can ease hunger pangs. Medically, it is also used to treat asthma and whooping cough because the caffeine present acts as a bronchodilator expanding the bronchial air passages. A notable disadvantage of chewing kola nut is that it changes the color of the teeth after continuous chewing for a long time, most likely years.

I leave you with this saying, “he who chews and swallows the kola in a huff hearkens to the call of his ancestors”. Dear reader, how often do you chew kola nut?   

YORUBA TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE

  Marriage is the union of a man and a woman to become husband and wife. It is also said to be an institution and as such must be done with care and respect since our lives depends on a stable marriage.

The Yoruba I must confess have over time developed a wonderful culture of hosting and attending ceremonies where beautiful colors, joy and happiness are being displayed. And a ceremony of great magnitude like marriage is no exception. Their hospitality is flawless and attendance is almost always at its peak.

To the point now, a Yoruba man of 25-30 usually pursues his Yoruba wife of ages between 17-25. After they both express mutual love for each other * winks *, they inform their parents. Like many other traditions in Nigeria, the groom is escorted by members of his family to the brides home. Yorubas have a custom of having and showing respect to elders and it comes to play here too. The groom and his family kneel to show the brides family respect just before they enter their home. This must be quick and prompt or else he will be asked to leave or to pay a fee. Permit me to use this, “the traditional asking out” begins here with the families sitting opposite each other while the bride and the groom are close to the center. In the middle, Olopa Iduor (speaker for the grooms family) and Olopa Ijoko (speaker for the brides family). The Ilopa Iduor now presents a letter to the brides family ones everyone is seated. The receiver will be Olopa Ijoko who reads the letter aloud and the brides family responds. Dowry is then paid to the brides family. This could be goods but mostly money is paid. The reason for paying this dowry they say is to compensate the brides family for raising her and to test the grooms patience. STUNNED? Me too!. The dowry of virgins cost more as expected. Prayers follow closely after that as usual. Some Yorubas have a Yoruba priest do a thing or two to predict the compatibilty of the couple.

Foods like Oyin(honey) and Obi(kola nut) are passed round by the Olopas to symbolize long life and a blessed union. The last part after the wedding ceremony is the “Igbe Iyawo” which means to carry the bride. Celebrations begin full time when the bride has been taken to her husband. My dear readers, isn't this wonderful?  

HOW THE MONKEYS SAVED THE FISH

The rainy season that year had been the strongest ever and the river had broken its banks. There were floods everywhere and the animals were all running up into the hills. The floods came so fast that many drowned except the lucky monkeys who used their proverbial agility to climb up into the treetops. They looked down on the surface of the water where the fish were swimming and gracefully jumping out of the water as if they were the only ones enjoying the devastating flood.

One of the monkeys saw the fish and shouted to his companion: "Look down, my friend, look at those poor creatures. They are going to drown. Do you see how they struggle in the water?" "Yes," said the other monkey. "What a pity! Probably they were late in escaping to the hills because they seem to have no legs. How can we save them?" "I think we must do something. Let's go close to the edge of the flood where the water is not deep enough to cover us, and we can help them to get out."

So the monkeys did just that. They started catching the fish, but not without difficulty. One by one, they brought them out of the water and put them carefully on the dry land. After a short time there was a pile of fish lying on the grass motionless. One of the monkeys said, "Do you see? They were tired, but now they are just sleeping and resting. Had it not been for us, my friend, all these poor people without legs would have drowned."

The other monkey said: "They were trying to escape from us because they could not understand our good intentions. But when they wake up they will be very grateful because we have brought them salvation." (Traditional Tanzanian Folktale). So funny...

DO YOU THINK NIGERIA HAS LOST ITS CULTURE?

  In a country with over 250 ethnic groups, you would expect a lot but do you think NAIJA (Nigeria) has lost its culture? This lovely weekend, I took time out to find answers to this question and I got this:

Bello Wali, a student was the first person I met.

Me: Do you think Naija has lost its culture?

Bello: yes

Me: why would you say yes?

Bello: Because western culture has taken over and if I may ask you, when was the last time you wore a kaftan (a gown worn by men)?

Umar, a medical student said yes to my question. His reason was simple and a bit complicated; it is obvious he said.

Asmau said yes. When asked why, she answered “we have forgotten most part of our culture and will most likely forget the rest”. Bold answer there!

Rita's answer was simple and straight to the point, “look around you and answer the question yourself”.

As for me, I think its yes too, what do you think?  

GIRLS AND LIPSTICKS

   Lipsticks on a blog about culture? Yes, you saw it right. The recent hype of red lipsticks by our sisi's (ladies) led me to this wonderful discovery. Most girls now use red lipstick on any outfit and event they intend to attend. Reason... because it is now a part of their day to day facial appearance. They have succeeded in making it a culture!

A lipstick is a cosmetic product which acts as a coloring for a ladies lips. As long as I can remember, a dark colored pencil-like object was used as lipsticks and it still exists around the Hausa region of Nigeria. Without much story, here is my point ''should a black skinned lady be putting on a red lipstick all the time? Let's hear your say.   

KAKAKI

   A musical instrument mostly played by men. It is a three to four meter long metallic trumpet used in Hausa ceremonial musics and I found out that the Tiv people also use it. One special thing about this musical instrument is that it is used in other countries like Niger, Chad, Burkina faso and Nigeria. In Sudan and Chad, the instrument is known as Waza.

    Sara ( a weekly statement of authority and power ) has this instrument being played on days that it holds ( mostly weekly ). This weekend Godwilling, I will bring you a special edition interviews...stick around.

IRIA RITUAL

     Just got hold of this fact early this morning and I can't help but share with you all. Iria is a ritual that a girl of 17 undergoes among the Okrika tribe of the Ijaw people. It is a ''coming-of-age'' ceremony. Like many other initiation ceremonies, it involves instruction, isolation, transition and of course celebration. 

     In those days, marriage was expected to commence immediately after this ceremony but nowadays it is allowed for the lady to further her studies before marriage. But the idea still remains that after the ceremony, the woman is eligible and old enough to be married.

IJAW PEOPLE

    From the forest region of our great country Nigeria, from within the Niger Delta I bring to you IJAW. These are a group of people mostly found in Bayesla, Delta and Rivers states. They are also found in many states such as Edo, Akwa-Ibom and Ondo states. History has it that they are believed to be among the earliest inhabitants in the south. As early as the 15^th century , the Ijaw people were linked to areas of sea trade routes.

    Traditionally, it is said that their early ancestors dropped from the sky. Orus (their ancestors) were and are still believed to be devine. They are also devotees of spiritual culture that made so much use of water. Beni-Otu is the name given to the water legends and mermaids. Around 400 CE to about 650 CE (AD) Kumoni-Orus (ancestors) joined them. History has it that Kumoni or Oru were the two names which they were called up till the 19^th century. Europeans who visited noted the name Oru as the distinct term for Ijaw.

Ijaw has 40 connected tribes which are based on shared culture and religious traditions and kinship lines. Below are some of the names and states of the groups;

1. Seimbiri - Delta state
2. Oyakiri – Bayelsa state
3. Oparoma – Bayelsa state
4. Opobo – Rivers state
5. Tungbo – Bayelsa state
6. Ukomo – Edo state
7. Zarama – Bayelsa state
8. Okordia – Bayelsa state
9. Kabo – Delta state
10. Klabiri – Rivers state
11. Iduwini – Delta state
12. Gbaranmatu – Delta state
13. Iduwini – Delta state
14. Isaba – Delta state
15. Zarama – Bayelsa state
16. Buseni – Bayelsa state
17. Egbema – Delta and Edo state
18. Arogbo – Ondo state
19. Bassan – Bayelsa state
20. Bille – Rivers state
21. Tarakiri(East) – Bayelsa state
22. Tarakiri(West) – Delta state
23. Olodiama(west) – Edo state
24. Ukomu – Edo state
25. Tuoma – Delta state
26. Bumo – Bayelsa state
27. Bonny – Rivers state
28. Ekeremor – Bayelsa state
29. Engeni – Rivers state
30. Furupagho – Edo state.

Still to come, a few details of Ijaw peoples lifestyle, food and cultural practices.*winks*

IGALA PEOPLE OF KOGI STATE

From Kogi state, comes a great set of people...the Igala people. Igala are an ethnic group of Nigeria. They are people that practice different religions, such as; Islam, Christianity and animism.

These group of people are situated east of the river Niger and Benue confluence in Lokoja, Kogi state. Geographically, the area is approximately between latitude 6 30 and 8 40 north and longitude 6 30 and 7 40 east and covers an area of about 13,665 square kilometers (Oguagha P.A 1981). Reports show that their population is over 2 million. They are closely related to the Yoruba and Itsekiri language. For identification, the people of Igala have three deep horizontal marks on their cheeks with one vertical mark right at the top of the horizontal marks.

But with the coming of Islam and Christianity the practice has become less common. Like any group of people, the Igala people are ruled by a father figure known as the Attah (father). Attah Igala (which means father of Igalas).

The Igalas of the riverine Idah areas have fishing as their main occupation. But as usual, some engage in farming. In the 50's, researchers like Forde and Westermann and Bryan regarded Igala as a dialect of Yoruba due to the similarity of the two ethnic groups.

CONTINUATION OF THE HISTORY OF KENTE IN EBIRA LAND

But today , with the availabity of improved and imported yarns in the market, clothes are woven with different kinds of yarns and invarieties for different purposes and occasions for example, the Ubah(a type of woven cloth) for Ita Okunete used for the burial of elderly people and for the dressing and decoration of masquerades during the Ekuechi festival which is usually celebrated once in a year. The festival is a means for social interaction, recreation and refreshment among Ebira people.

  The Kente(Aso-Oke) is used to dress a newly wedded bride which includes the wrapper, dress, headtie, gelle(veil) and of recent the pelle which is made in two pieces i.e the headtie and gelle and are usually worn on special occasions like naming, wedding ceremonies and the like.
  The pelle is mostly used by brides maids, friends and Ubajo for women who are still in their fertile age who use them in strapping their babies to the back. The pelle is now woven using improved cotton, silk and metallic yarns and are in varieties with different designs and patterns. For example, the plain cabbled and the cubic type of Pelle.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF KENTE(ASO-OKE) IN OKENE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE

 
Okene is a local government on Kogi state. The Ebira people of Okene have a history of having formally lived in Jukun in Taraba state. They migrated and passing through Toto of Nassarawa state and Koton Karfe in Kogi state, eventually settled down in Okene in between hills. They have some similarities to that of the Ebiras in Toto and Koton Karfi areas.
   Traditional religion was the first religion that was practiced by the people, which is the worshiping of ancestors(Aheke Oziote). The religion was based on the respect for the supernatural and departed spirits of the ancestors who, they believed were the medianics between the living and the supernatural forces. It was later that Islam was introduced and lastly christianity. Presently the tradition, Islamic and christianity religions are the major religions of the area.
   The Ebira tribe is a large ethnic group living on the south-west of Kogi state. They settled on and in between the hills and derived their unity as an ethnic group from a common language, common culture and acknowledging the ritual leadership of Ohinoyi(King) of Ebira land. Within the community there are sub-units, each having their own ritual head, but they are all under the sovereign power of the Ohinoyi.
   Ebira people migrated from Jukun to Okene with their method and technique of weaving.
  It can be rightly pointed out that the Ebira people acquired the art of waving right from their place of origin. When they settled in Okene, the men were engaged in farming and hunting, while the women stayed at home for cloth weaving and the general care of the home and the children. The type of clothes woven in Okene are generally refered to as Itinoci, which means clothes woven on sticks using locally grown and spur cutton.
  But today 

WEAVING IN EBIRA LAND

 

  Weaving is the most usual way of producing fabric which consists of sets of yarns interlaced at right angles. By doing this, sequences are established which gives a strong and more durable result. It is really a creative and imaginative craft, as well as a practical one.

  The evolution of weaving in Nigeria has been traced through acheological discoveries in Eastern Nigeria of textiles over a thousand years old, woven from bast and leaf fibres. Bast fibres were probably used first and then cutton.

   Weaving and ample use of hand woven fabrics have thrived in many parts of Nigeria. These includes the Hausa from Kano, the Dakakans from Sokoto, the Kanouris from Maiduguri, the Nupe, the Yorubas and the Binis as well as the Igbos in Akwete.

  Written evidence indicates that the northern emirates of Kano had a reputation for the skill of its weavers (who were Hausa) as early as 1512.

 The Yoruba have long had a reputation for their weaving and ample use of handwoven fabrics for their own clothing. However there were smaller localities that have been involved in weaving over the years that have not yet been recognised. The Ebira people of Okene Local Government of Kogi  state have been such people. "Kente" is next to be discussed here....do you have any idea of what that means? Pls stick around.

NUPE PEOPLE OF NIGER STATE

  Hello everyone, sorry I have not been able to get you updates recently. We move to the power state. To the undisputed head-quarters of Nupe people in Nigeria, I bring you Bida.
  The Nupe people live in the heart of Nigeria, spread over the lower basin formed by the two rivers, Kaduna and Niger also known as Lavun and Edu respectively. The traditional inhabitants of the ancient city (Banin Bida) were known as Beni. As we all know, in those days( before before) other sources of power or mystical powers to be precise were in vogue. Beni was not an exception but with the coming of Islam, life was changed. History has it that in 1804, Fulani rulers displaced the Bida Nupe leadership structure quite early in the 19th century. Mallam Dendo (Manko) who was the Fulani leader became the new leader of the empire. In 1832, Usman Zaki (Manko's son) became the first Etsu Nupe.
 In Bida, there are three ruling houses where Etsu Nupe rotates. These are:
1. MASABA HOUSE
2.USMAN ZAKI HOUSE
3.UMARU MAJIGI HOUSE.
  After the emergence of the first Etsu Nupe, here are the Etsu Nupes from the three houses as follows:


  NAMES                POSITION            HOUSE           YEAR
1.Usman Zaki          1st ETSU-NUPE        Usman Zaki    1832-1859
2.Masaba              2nd ETSU-NUPE        Masaba        1859-1873
3.Usman Majigi        3rd ETSU-NUPE        Usman Majigi  1873-1884
4.Maliki              4th ETSU NUPE        Usman Zaki    1884-1895
5.Abubakar            5th ETSU-NUPE        Masaba        1895-1901
6.Mohammad U          6th ETSU-NUPE        Usman Majigi  1901-1916
7.Bello               7th ETSU-NUPE        Usman Zaki    1916-1926
8.Saidu               8th ETSU-NUPE        Masaba        1926-1935
9.Muhammad U
  Ndayako             9th ETSU-NUPE        Umaru Majigi  1935-1962
10.Usman Sarki        10th ETSU-NUPE       Masaba        1962-1969
11.Musa Bello         11th ETSU-NUPE       Usman Zaki    1969-1975
12.Alhaji (Dr)
   Sabda Ndayako      12th ETSU-NUPE     Umaru Majigi  1975-2003
13.Alhaji Yahaya
   Abubakar           13th ETSU-NUPE    Usman Zaki    2003-till date 
    Still to come, music,dress code and a few quotes from the past. Saikadegi!
                                                                                               

BEADS

   A bead is a decorative object normally worn as earrings, bangles, necklaces etc. It has been known to have existed right from the beginning of time according to most ancestral stories and scientific discoveries. 
  Beads can be gotten from naturally occurring materials  which could be inorganic or organic in nature. Examples of natural organic materials include bones, coral, wood, animal shell etc. Pearls used to be the best because of its scarcity but with the emergence of modern science, scientific techniques have been used to design them. The natural inorganic materials include metals and stones. According to history, the oldest surviving synthetic materials used were ceramics. Glass are also used for bead-making with their own specific names.
  Traditionally, kings, queens and important personalities in ceremonies are usually highly braided with beads of a variety of colors. This is also common in traditional marriages especially with the people from the eastern part of Nigeria. Young men and women nowadays are fond of using beads as ornaments. Get a bead today and look handsome/beautiful(*wink*). Have a blessed weekend. 

Ibira musicians

 Today, I bring you the conclusion of the first part of Ibira people's life and culture. We begin with Ofelele. Ofelele is a man who sang about life itself. He brought out everything about everything that music could possibly give. Another icon to be remembered even in years to come is Adeku. His music was both educative and informative. He was a man of the people.
  From Okene Kogi state, is another great man...Ijaguda. Ijaguda's music was unique in the sense that  he was known to sing with masquerades. This normally happens during the month of December popularly known as 'Ekwechi'. It is a time when cultural celebrations are at its peak with masquerades and musicians giving out their best to the communities and tourists.
 I round it up with two female stars , Juwa and Ohunene. These two are individuals who have made both money and fame from music. I will be bringing in new updates as time goes on about musicians and icons including their biography. Adijo (bye).

IBIRA PEOPLE

  A people of great hospitality, blessed with a great kitchen and clothing plus a high profile traditional music status. I bring to you Ibira people of kogi state.We begin our tour with the life and culture of Ibira people. Like most men will agree, food is man. 

   We all know pounded yam but with the Ibira people, it is made into a very delicious delicacy. It is either eaten with 'egusi' (melon seed) soup or mostly 'ebatu' (garden egg) soup. The preparation of this meal is quite simple and straight forward. Also, 'elibo'(peels of dried cassava) is also eaten. It (elibo) is sometimes mixed with guinea corn and dried before being grinded and cooked.

     DRESS STYLE.

   In the olden days, the people of Ibira land were mostly farmers (civilisation they say has come). The men wore 'Ovente' (a piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and between the legs). The ladies wore 'aso-eke' (a cloth made manually by weaving). This was and is still used in carrying babies on the back. Still to come, music from ebira's best and quotes. *wink* you will surely like it.

INTRODUCTION

 Hello everyone, this is my first post on culturenaija. A blog totally dedicated to giving you the best of our great nation's culture. Hopefully we will be going round Naija from all angles bringing the best and nothing but the best of Nigeria's culture. Nigeria is a country with over 250 ethnic groups each having a special attribute attached to them.
 Alot is about to be discussed here including a few other cultures from around Africa. I will be going through an ethnic groups food, dress style, music etc. Stick around while I take you around our great country on an educative tour with so much to remember. NAIJA, GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT NATION!