ATUMMA MASQUERADE: Igbo Masking And Masquerades.

Atumma "Ichoku" of Eziowelle in Idemili North LGA Anambra State Nigeria

Atumma "Ugonano" of Abba in Njikoka LGA Anambra State Nigeria

Atumma "Ugonanabo" of Abagana in Njikoka LGA of Anambra State

In there range, types, artistic innovation and diversity, Igbo masks and masking remain the tour de force  of Igbo genius and creativity Igbo masking can be defined as an art event, a multi-media event in which art objects are lent motion through the alluring power songs and music. It is also a spirit event in which a mask character incarnate as either dead fathers, mythic and legendary ancestors or simply force of nature in so far their coming into being helps the Igbo community to renew life, re-enact important aspects of history, or otherwise mark critical points in the agricultural cycles while reaffirming the basic principles of causation that is how things were, how they are and how they ought to be. Masked spirit characters reaffirm in performance the prevailing Igbo cycle of life.   Aniakor Chike C. 2005) Reflective Essays on art & art history. The Pan-African Circle  of Artist Press.

Masks are works of art, objects of religious significance, and ceremonial instruments in Igbo land and in Idemili cultural area in particular. The use of masks can be found in dance performances at festivals, and other social ceremonies. Masks have important sociological, political and psychological functions. They are important means of social control as well as a means of reinforcing the sense of group identity through initiations and ancestral cults as well as propagate social norms.

The Atumma masquerade, according to Mr. Aro  Chukwuka a deity and mask carver from Okpaliko village in Eziowelle in Idemili North of Anambra State Nigeria, and the sponsor of Atumma Ichoku- Parrot.  Atumma is a symbol of beauty that is why it is feminine in nature and adorned with colorful fabrics, raffia or woolen fibers to make it look very attractive.  Atumma is one of the many Igbo masquerades that have not been thoroughly documented. It is the intention of this article series to describe and analyze it.

Igbo society particularly Idemili North, Njikoka and Dunukofia  Local Government Areas of Anambra State in the past were able to control their society through certain social practices such as Atumma performance of which the west through enculturation, cut the string that held us together and we have fallen apart.

Atumma a singing and preaching, story telling, dancing, social critique and social commentator marks the invincibility of the dead ancestor to oversee the activities of the living especially as it affects good behavior as social control for socialization. As it sings and dances to the rhythm of one Udu, and three Ogene -metal gongs rising and falling in consonance with choral accompaniments the masquerade starts to  reveal evil people in the community, praise or critics, comment on issues of common interest, both local, national or of international importance.  Atumma masquerade was feared and is still being feared in society the way politicians and public office holders dread journalist today.

Atumma is a small oval wooden head mask tilted forward and carved out of a light but durable wood called Okwe. It is made to look feminine in nature. The costume in the past and in recent times is made of locally woven fabric known locally as ikpachi, which covers every part of the masker,  however due to enculturation,  some  maskers use other modern but beautiful fabric or jean trousers, socks or canvas shoes.  Raffia adorns the head from the left side round the back to the right side leaving the front free for the masker to see. The waist line is adorned with raffia a thick stuffed band adorned with cowries called Ugba Ego is placed over the raffia on the waist which gives it majesty. The Nkucha- hand fan is an essential accessory of the masquerade however some use Nzali odu efi – cow tail fly whisk instead.

The Atumma masquerade is not a terrifying or diabolic masquerade. It is an entertainer but reveals secret and evil things people are doing  and every known anti social behavior in the society. It evokes joy and happiness. This is the basis for the masquerades popularity. It tells all the truth that is to be told in the presence of the culprits in public with song and dancing without fear or favor as it will always say iwu ejiro mmanwu: meaning there is no law against the masquerade.

Atumma performs during traditional festivals, burial, funeral and wake keep ceremonies, and other merry making occasions including Christian ceremonies like Christmas and Easter.

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