AkweyaTVAkweyaTVAkweyaTV
  • Home
  • Culture
    • Art & Entertainment
    • Talk
    • Languages
  • Opinions
    • Worldview
  • AkweyaTV
  • History
  • About us
  • Shop
Search
History
Entertainment
  • Home
  • Art & Entertainment
  • Craft
  • Culture
  • History
  • Languages
  • Talk
  • Worldview
  • Shop
    • My account
    • Cart
    • Checkout
  • Bookmarks
    • Sponsored Post
Health
  • Advertise
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Unveiling the Fascinating Evolution of Iperi Masquerade
Share
Sign In
0

No products in the basket.

Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
AkweyaTVAkweyaTV
0
Search
  • Home
  • Culture
    • Art & Entertainment
    • Talk
    • Languages
  • Opinions
    • Worldview
  • AkweyaTV
  • History
  • About us
  • Shop
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
AkweyaTV > Blog > Culture > Unveiling the Fascinating Evolution of Iperi Masquerade
CultureArt & Entertainment

Unveiling the Fascinating Evolution of Iperi Masquerade

Idajor Ajah
Last updated: November 21, 2023 4:15 pm
By Idajor Ajah - Programme Manager
Share
3 Min Read
SHARE

The Iperi dance, which originated in the serene village of Odonto, Akweya, Akpa District of Otukpo LGA, Benue State, embodies a tale that intertwines with local culture and traditions.

It initially emerged as a casual pastime among young boys convening at the village square after dusk. The dance took its nascent steps in 1982, dubbed ‘Iyalogo.’ However, its transformation into Iperi and elevation to a structured group performance hold a captivating narrative.

In 1983, the narrative took a turn when a local police officer, Onyilo Adokwu, from Odonto, encountered a distinctive Tiv mask during his duty at a checkpoint in Zaki Biam, Benue State. Fascinated by its craftsmanship, he sought to purchase it despite only possessing three naira, while the trader demanded five naira.

As the situation tensed, invoking the threat of arresting the trader over missing antiquities, a deal was struck at three naira, enabling Adokwu to bring the mask home. The subsequent presentation of this mask to the village elders resulted in its official adoption as the emblematic mask of Iyalogo, rechristened as Iperi.

Originally a significant part of the “Mammy Water” masquerade and dance within the Tiv culture, the mask underwent a metamorphosis in Odonto, now symbolising the essence of the community’s identity.

Exploring the etymology behind Iperi, Chairman of the Odonto Community in Abuja, Mr. Bishop Ejeh, sheds light on its significance. He describes Iperi as an onomatopoeic expression, embodying the image of someone so satiated after a meal that their stomach protrudes—a fitting representation considering the local penchant for consuming substantial amounts of pounded yam. This practice is deeply rooted in the community’s history of laborious farm work, creating a physically robust populace.

An indigene of Odonto stands near the signpost.

Beyond their robust appearance, the residents of Odonto are renowned for their hospitality and unity, cementing their reputation as a harmonious and formidable community.

The evolution of the Iperi masquerade from a chance encounter to a cultural emblem underscores the interplay between tradition, identity, and community spirit within the vibrant tapestry of Benue State’s artistic and cultural landscape.

Odonto is a rural settlement on the outskirts of Adim, towards the southwestern fringes of Akweya in Otukpo LGA of Benue State.

 

Follow the AkweyaTV channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7m7dvJuyA7h5XMc22i

TAGGED:BenuemasqueradeOdonto
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
Idajor Ajah
ByIdajor Ajah
Programme Manager
Idajor Maurice Ajah is the Programme Manager for AkweyaTV Limited. He also deploys himself into active media activities including newscasting, event reporting, and interview shows. He holds B.Sc. (Hons) in Business Management from the Benue State University, Makurdi, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. From 2018, he served as the Executive/Managing Editor of the Papyrus Monthly Magazine, in Abuja. He joined Akweya TV Limited in 2020 as the pioneer Programme Manager. He has been a pastoring in large congregations and lectures in about four campuses of the Dunamis School of Ministry (DUSOM). Idajor loves swimming, playing basketball, and meditating in natural environments like streams and gardens.
Previous Article Emirates to Resume Nigeria Flights, Keyamo Confirms
Next Article Abba Moro Assumes Role as Senate Minority Leader

Advertise

  • Advertise with us
  • Newsletters
  • Deal

You Might also Like

Art & Entertainment

2Baba Song Contest Grand Finale Set to Ignite Makurdi

December 7, 2023
Art & EntertainmentGeneral News

TuFace Confirms Separation, Annie Allegedly in Rehab

January 27, 2025
General News

Updated: Benue Commissioner Unveils Remarkable Progress, Developmental Strides

October 29, 2023
Art & EntertainmentCulture

BB Naija Contestant in Trouble Over Comment on Tiv People

September 17, 2023
…Including You

Check these

  • Advertise with us
  • Newsletters
  • Deal

Top Categories

AkweyaTVAkweyaTV
Follow US
© 2023 Akweya TV Limited. All Rights Reserved. Designed by Ikigai All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?