Okumkpa is an African dance noted for its humorous qualities, performed in Igbo
Afikpo tribes in
Nigeria
Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...
. It is usually performed after the Dry Season Festival. The performers wear masks to transform themselves into ''mma'' (spirit).
Each Okumkpa mask has a name, and the dancer wearing the mask is expected to dance according to the quality of the mask. Themes include satirical subjects, such as competing for being the most foolish man on earth to win the "Pot of Foolishness".
References
*
Herbert M. Cole, ''African Art and Leadership'', (2004), Univ of Wisconsin Press, , Page 104-106
External links
An Okumkpa mask at Seattle Art Museum
Igbo culture
African dances
Masquerade ceremonies in Africa
Masked dances
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