Smithsonian Libraries African Art Index Project DSI Search this
Subject:
Enugu State Mmanwu Festival (1993 : Enugu, Nigeria) Search this
Type:
Articles
Place:
Enugu State (Nigeria)
Date:
2005
Notes:
Color illustrations, including front cover.
Igbo masking has been modernized at the 1993 Enugu State Mmanwu Festival. Sponsored by the local arts council since 1986, the urban festival has demonstrated the state's participation in cultural revitalization. The festival reflects the political organization of the state along with patterns of national policy that affect cultural tradition. As part of its involvement with cultural revitalization, the Mmanwu Festival modified Igbo traditions by downplaying "pagan" activities, such as the use of medicinal materials in masking performances. At the same time, the festival emphasized the traditional organization of gender in Igbo masking (which is an all-male tradition), and the importance of personal integrity and respect for one's elders. Thus, the festival became appropriate for an urban and tourist audience.
