Home> Archive> 2014> Volume 4 Number 5 (Sep. 2014)
IJSSH 2014 Vol.4(5): 366-371 ISSN: 2010-3646
DOI: 10.7763/IJSSH.2014.V4.380

Socio-Religious Significance of Ikoro and Ekpe Festivals in Akwete Ndoki Community of Abia State, Nigeria

Bentina Alawari Mathias

Abstract—In Nigeria, cultural festivals abound to emphasize and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people. These cultural festivals are found in all the geo-political zones of the country and they have become international events attracting tourists from all over the world. Obviously, festivals are veritable instruments for national integration and peaceful co-existence. Ikoro and Ekpe festivals are cultural festivals organized by Akwete Ndoki community to mark the end of the farming season and the beginning of a new one. This paper examines the social, political, economic and religious significance of these festivals and the effect of modernization on them. The main data collection technique used was the participant-as-observer option of participant observation. This was supplemented with the in-depth interview and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Findings showed that Ikoro and Ekpe festivals play a vital role in the social, political, economic and religious sustenance of the community. It was also observed that Christianity has altered most of the ritual practices. Recommendations were made which includes that the date for these yearly festivals be moved from late January to any date from 24th December to 2nd January in order to attract more participants.

Index Terms—Ceremony, cultural heritage, festival, masquerade.

Bentina Alawari Mathias is with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Nigeria (e-mail: bentinad1@yahoo.com, mathiasbentina@gmail.com).

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Cite: Bentina Alawari Mathias, " Socio-Religious Significance of Ikoro and Ekpe Festivals in Akwete Ndoki Community of Abia State, Nigeria," International Journal of Social Science and Humanity vol. 4, no. 5, pp. 366-371, 2014.

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