Mgbereke Ida Odo (Odo Ngwo)

Описание: Mgbereke Ida Odo (Odo Ngwo): The town of Ngwo, sited on the top of the Enugu hills holds historic relish. Traced to be the beginning of modern Enugu after the discovery of coal, her cultural heritage has remained untainted. This is irrespective of her early contact with the Europeans.

One of such heritage which has drawn indigenes and tourists alike, from far and near, is the Odo masquerade festival. Goge Africa crew, was present this past weekend to witness this ancient biennial festival, held in Ngwo, Enugu state.
The Odo masquerade festival holds symbolic relevance to the Ngwo people. Held in high esteem, it is the coming of their dead ancestors, to live amongst them for three months, after which they go back to the abode of the spirits.

As is the practice in many parts of Igboland, ancestral spirits are highly revered. Thus, during their stay in the land of the living, indigenes are expected to be of good conduct to all. These masquerades, which are representative of the dead relatives from all nine quarters that make up Ngwo, are of unequal sizes and designs, showing the fine artistry of the people. Some towering, standing at about 20 feet from the ground level, others are of smaller sizes. @ourculture