MASQUERADE IJELE MASQUERADE

is a tribe in Western Africa with a region in Eastern Nigeria. The Igbo people have arguably one of the richest cultural heritage and masquerades in Africa.

The Ijele masquerade is a very special masquerade. Regarded as the biggest masquerade in sub-Saharan Africa. From oral story, it has its roots from the Akunechenyi dance group in UMUERI community in Anambra State.

WHAT IS THE MYTH OF IJELE?!

The Ijele strikes a spectacular presence, at an average size of between 12ft-15ft tall. The Ijele MUST never touch the ground, if it does, it is considered as dead and the carrier and his family can never bear the Ijele again. It was listed in UNESCO archives as an intangible cultural element!

Ijele Family

Nne Ijele meaning "Mother of Ijele." She is usually a beautiful masquerade that holds a big ox tail, and dances to flute and soft music.