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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Gender ambiguity and iconic paradox in Ebiran Ekuechi 'facekuerade' ritualization
Author:Ododo, Sunday EnessiISNI
Year:2012
Periodical:African Performance Review (ISSN 1753-5964)
Volume:6
Issue:2
Pages:7-26
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:masquerades
gender roles
Abstract:Ritualization, with its interpretative semiotic connotations, is a useful tool of discourse for explaining gender ambiguity and iconic paradox in the Ekuechi festival of the Ebira Tao of Kogi State, Nigeria. Ekuechi ritualization is considered essentially as a cultural action devoid of any serious religious meaning within the social milieu of the Ebira society. This paper uses ritual studies and semiotic theory to interrogate gender roles and the masking concept of Ekuechi festival performance, including that of 'facekuerade' (which signifies an Ekuechi masquerade without a masque, hence face+Eku+erade = facekuerade). It also points to the need for rethinking the Ekuechi event as an engaging ritualization capable of transforming social contexts and performance realities, as well as mediating structures of social systems, including those involving women. Normally, women are absent from the Ekuechi. The sole exception is when witchcraft is required to secure proper performance. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]
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