5.
Anioma Festivals
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One of Several Anioma Traditional Attires
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Unique to Aniomaland, Akwa Ocha is an important apparel in the socio-cultural life of the people
The people of Anioma have a very rich cultural heritage. All through the nine Local Government Areas of Delta State that constitute Aniomaland, there are several cultural festivals and other traditional carnivals, which provide deep insight into the history, lives and indeed essence of the people.
They range from the commemoration of historical landmarks, rites of passage, harvesting of crops, honour to deserving personalities, to appeasement of the deities and purification of the land.
Following are briefs on a number of these festivals, which are expressed …show more content…
Amid feasting and dancing, each family goes in a procession to the palace of the Igwe [paramount ruler of Ase clan] to pay homage to him.
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An Ukwuata Dancer performs to the delight of the crowd
UKWUATA, Aboh & environs: Ukwuata is observed in four clans. It is a series of events to mark both the end of a farming season and ushering in of a new one.
The process is set in motion when the traditional ruler [Okpala-Uku] or regent [Uko-Okpala] fixes dates for the festival in consultation with the elders [Ikpala], chiefs [Inotu] and the Oyiwa and the Otu-Ole age grades. Then selected youths of the Otu-Onuogbe age group go into camp to be taught and rehearse the Ukwuata dance.
Ukwuata is a festival of peace, unity and harmony. The high point of activities is the Ukwuata Dance [performed by the best dancers in the Otu-Ole age grade]. Even as the people and visitors make merriment, the indigenes pray for peace, good health and prosperity.
The Ukwuata is symbolised by a carved stool covered with local crafts on which a White Eagle is perched.
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The Youths enjoying themselves at the Ukwuata Festival
NDUKU, Ogume-Ukwuani: This is a dual-purpose, seven-day festival, which is celebrated in November when the yellow yam is
Anioma Festivals
<<<IMAGE>>>
One of Several Anioma Traditional Attires
<<<IMAGE>>>
Unique to Aniomaland, Akwa Ocha is an important apparel in the socio-cultural life of the people
The people of Anioma have a very rich cultural heritage. All through the nine Local Government Areas of Delta State that constitute Aniomaland, there are several cultural festivals and other traditional carnivals, which provide deep insight into the history, lives and indeed essence of the people.
They range from the commemoration of historical landmarks, rites of passage, harvesting of crops, honour to deserving personalities, to appeasement of the deities and purification of the land.
Following are briefs on a number of these festivals, which are expressed …show more content…
Amid feasting and dancing, each family goes in a procession to the palace of the Igwe [paramount ruler of Ase clan] to pay homage to him.
<<<IMAGE>>>
An Ukwuata Dancer performs to the delight of the crowd
UKWUATA, Aboh & environs: Ukwuata is observed in four clans. It is a series of events to mark both the end of a farming season and ushering in of a new one.
The process is set in motion when the traditional ruler [Okpala-Uku] or regent [Uko-Okpala] fixes dates for the festival in consultation with the elders [Ikpala], chiefs [Inotu] and the Oyiwa and the Otu-Ole age grades. Then selected youths of the Otu-Onuogbe age group go into camp to be taught and rehearse the Ukwuata dance.
Ukwuata is a festival of peace, unity and harmony. The high point of activities is the Ukwuata Dance [performed by the best dancers in the Otu-Ole age grade]. Even as the people and visitors make merriment, the indigenes pray for peace, good health and prosperity.
The Ukwuata is symbolised by a carved stool covered with local crafts on which a White Eagle is perched.
<<<IMAGE>>>
The Youths enjoying themselves at the Ukwuata Festival
NDUKU, Ogume-Ukwuani: This is a dual-purpose, seven-day festival, which is celebrated in November when the yellow yam is