RECREATING IBUIRIMI FESTIVAL OF OKPE PEOPLE OF DELTA STATE IN CEMENT SCULPTURE

Abstract

This research is a studio-based project which specifically focused on visually documenting the Ibu-irimi festival of the Okpe people in the Delta State of Nigeria, with emphasis on the regalia and role of the chief priest during the festival. This study becomes necessary when we consider the fact that most of the African core traditional values and institutions have been eroded by Westernization. Okpe culture is not an exception as Its citizens look down on their traditional institutions and even neglect the significance and spiritual essence of the ibu-irimi festival to the wellbeing of the people. The study employs a qualitative and descriptive research method. Sources of data include primary sources, which are mostly oral and secondary sources comprising written materials, both published and unpublished. The researcher also employed Group Focus Discussion (GFD) researchers observation. Pictures 0f core activities were captured during the festival and later analyzed. The study reveals that there is a near abandonment and lack of interest in Okpe cultural activities. The research calls for more work on this subject to help in propagating and documenting African cultural heritage and traditional institutions