SEXUALITY IN OGORI-MAGONGO OVIA-OSESE FESTIVAL
Loading...
Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of The Performing Arts, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examines ways through which sexuality is being presented in Ovia-Osese festival of Ogori-Magongo. Although there are numerous festivals in and around Africa that features women in composition and performance, In Ovia-Osese festival among the Ogori-Magongo people of Kogi State, new developments have evolved that pronounces sexuality as a major feature of the celebrations .
This study employs three different research methodologies: descriptive, participant observation method and oral interviews. These methods reveal facts about the origin and evolution of the festival, objectives, taboos (if any), and its effects on Ogori-Magongo people.
This study finds out that sexuality, as it concerns the women folk is the core of what is show cased in the celebration of Ovia-Osese festival. In conclusion therefore, traditional women-based festivals like Ovia-Osese should be seen beyond cultural events and moments of celebration; they should rather be observed from the area of gender classification and compositional features like sexuality for women which sums up to produce the eventual performance. It is hereby recommended that scholars and critics especially women should explore such areas as traditional festivals for women from diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria, which addresses critical issues like sexuality and other gender related issues should be explored. This will create platforms for new discoveries and the appreciation of the female gender.