A Nigerian lady from Igbo extraction, Chiamaka Mirabel Iwefuo has caught the attention of many Nigerians with her beautiful artwork.
According to her, “Let me introduce to you my latest artwork.”
“Titled : IJELE
Ijele is a special masquerade in Igbo land. It is the “first among equals” of all Masquerades, and as such has forty-five (45) different other masquerades perform on top of it in the olden days. Presently, the forty-five (45) masquerades are represented by the forty-five (45) figurines seen on top of Ijele. It is the climax of all masquerades hence performs alone and mostly last. ”
“Ijele is the largest mask system ever to enter the history of the world masking tradition.
. Due to its weighty size, a big outdoor house must be prepared for Ijele anywhere it will perform. It takes about 100 men to work for six months in preparation of Ijele costumes and house before an outing performance.”
“Mmanwu Ijele” is a peculiar type of masquerade. It is such a popular masquerade that its fame is felt in every part of Igbo land. Thus the Igbo proverb that says, “Ijele pụta n’ ọgbọ, ụmụ obele mmọnwụ anaa”, (when the Ijele appears, the small masquerades disappear). “Ijele bụ nnukwu mmanwu” (Ijele is a great and exceptional masquerade), it is to this regard that a renowned Igbo musician, Oliver de Coque sang in one of his song tracks, “E nwere nnukwu mmanwu nwee otikpu… Nnukwu mmanwu pụta, Obodo awala ọsọ, otikpu a na-eti, gidigidi bụ ugwu eze…” (We have great masquerade and its team. When the great masquerade comes to the dancing arena, the community in awe and reverence clears the dancing ground for it; the team keeps proclaiming its presence and reminding the people that teamwork is the strength of any Priest/leadership).”
“Our identity is so Beautiful and we are so Proud of it.”
“Medium : mixed medium on Canvas
Size 5 by feet”.
