Decline of Ekpe Masquerade Amongst the Efik Speakers
| dc.contributor.author | Dr. Morenike Folabalogun | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-07-24T09:29:58Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-07-24T09:29:58Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2018-09-01 | |
| dc.description | Masquerade traditions amongst the Efik speakers in Nigeria, is an interesting theme for discussion in art history. The scope of this paper is to direct attention to that aspect of Efik culture that is deeply rooted in the masquerade traditions and the importance of the masquerade’s cult. This paper examines specifically the Ekpe masquerade, their duties, their regalia, art, symbol and performance. The paper intends to bring awareness and fill any existing gap. The methodology applied in this research is qualitative, which includes oral interviews, analytical; using intrinsic and contextual methods, internet resource materials and literature. Efik culture follows the general patterns of masquerading traditions in African societies. The traditional masquerades are seen, as ancestors and reverenced as intermediaries to God. The masquerades traditionally are regarded as custodians of history, religion, tradition, myths, norms and values. Their subjects see them as deities; to wade off the ills within individuals and community’s at large, unity is established within communities, rules and regulations are adhered to. The dread of been sanctioned by a masquerade cult, culturally is an abomination in tradition and attracts sanctions. Difficult matters arising and sensitive disputes are settled by masquerade cults in the Efik land, the culture and its ideals are reinstated. Their performance brings alive the cultural values of the societies / communities. | |
| dc.description.abstract | Masquerade traditions amongst the Efik speakers in Nigeria, is an interesting theme for discussion in art history. The scope of this paper is to direct attention to that aspect of Efik culture that is deeply rooted in the masquerade traditions and the importance of the masquerade’s cult. This paper examines specifically the Ekpe masquerade, their duties, their regalia, art, symbol and performance. The paper intends to bring awareness and fill any existing gap. The methodology applied in this research is qualitative, which includes oral interviews, analytical; using intrinsic and contextual methods, internet resource materials and literature. Efik culture follows the general patterns of masquerading traditions in African societies. The traditional masquerades are seen, as ancestors and reverenced as intermediaries to God. The masquerades traditionally are regarded as custodians of history, religion, tradition, myths, norms and values. Their subjects see them as deities; to wade off the ills within individuals and community’s at large, unity is established within communities, rules and regulations are adhered to. The dread of been sanctioned by a masquerade cult, culturally is an abomination in tradition and attracts sanctions. Difficult matters arising and sensitive disputes are settled by masquerade cults in the Efik land, the culture and its ideals are reinstated. Their performance brings alive the cultural values of the societies / communities. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Self sponsored | |
| dc.identifier.citation | www.discoveryjournals.org | |
| dc.identifier.issn | ISSN 2278-5469EISSN 2278-5450 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://kwasuspace.kwasu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/1769 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Published in Journal of Discovery an International Multi-Disciplinary Publication | |
| dc.relation.ispartofseries | vol.54, issue273 | |
| dc.title | Decline of Ekpe Masquerade Amongst the Efik Speakers | |
| dc.type | Article |