International Journal of Language & Literature

Umulumgbe Contemporary Odo Masquerade Ritual Performance
Gloria Nwandu Ozor, Prof. Chesaina, Ciarunji, Dr. Masumi Odari

Abstract
Odo masquerade ritual is an oral tradition of the people of Umulumgbe, the South Eastern Nigeria, which is passed down from one generation to another through the word of mouth. Umulumgbe Odo ritual is a masquerade festival that is performed once in two years as a symbol of the people‟s belief in the afterlife and as a festival of community unification. However, this study sets out to investigate the effects of modernity on the contemporary performance of Umulumgbe Odo masquerade ritual. The objectives of the study revolved around the question of the impact of modernity in the performance of contemporary traditional Odo masquerade ritual. Specifically, the study interrogates the extent at which the performance of the ritual has on the one hand, defied modernity, while on the other; it has also incorporated new symbolisms and horizon of meaning. These objectives were derived from the assumptions that, for the survival of significant traditional elements, the performance must defy modernity, while at the same time it has of necessity to incorporate new symbolisms of meaning for cultural dynamism and relevance.

Full Text: PDF      DOI: 10.15640/ijll.v5n2a9