Images of Ebiraland

See Ebira items and their local names:

Amoto Ahachè dressed in Ebira tradtional attire known as Okù atähu. Proudly Anebira

Yusuf Etudaiye is a Contemporary African artist, Born in Nigeria on the west coast of Africa. At the age o f 19, went to the U.S. To study. Went to school at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, Oklahoma and later transferred to Oklahoma State University where he studied Art. Etudaiye has worked as a studio potter with a group o f artist at the Earth, Fire, and Spirit Pottery Studio in the small town o f Canton, Oklahoma Etudaiye Potter Studio is now located in McAlester, Oklahoma. He looks at art, "not just as a matter of talent but rather a process of evolution". His Christian background has influenced his ability to be patient which is also evident in his pottery. This also accounts for the strong sense o f African culture in his work. Etudaiye has participated in competitive Art Festivals in various parts o f the nation, both regional and national. He has participated in shows such as the International Festival o f the Arts in Houston, Texas, River Fest in Little Rock,

ORIGIN OF THE FESTIVAL There are few accounts of how the festival started. However, the differences inthese accounts are not fundamental. Generally, Ireba Eku (masquerade cult) wasbelieved to have been formed under the divine instruction of God to check the excesses of women, apart from serving as ancestor worship. Myth has it that aftercreating man and woman as husband and wife, one day God sent for the man but hewas too busy to honour the call. Instead, he requested his wife to heed God’s call onhis behalf. God gave her Irakwo (an egg-like object that contains the secrets of lifeand has the capacity to manifest supernatural powers) for her husband. Having dis-coveredits contents and being fascinated by them, she hid it in her uterus and laterswallowed it without giving it to her husband. She thereafter became quite powerful,performing supernatural feats as turning into any animal and changing back to ahuman being. She could instantly grow wings to fly around in astral travels. She al

Each season, an Ebira farmer is preoccupied with one farming activity or the other. To accomplish these tasks, he, along with his family, settles away from home..in the farm. The farm known as 'Are' in Ebira dialect is a home away from home for the business minded farmer. He lives and spends most of his time there with ocassional visits to his town, his main home. Among the farmers, while some live there with their entire family, others prefer staying alone and fetching his family's need. It is a unique community with relative peace and lots of hardwork, fun and adventure. EbiraView brings you facts and findings of what makes the farm a beloved home to Ebira farmers. Watch out on this page. The long trek back to the huts The Huts (Udi)

When sat close to the Oguntoro (the loom), Ebira women employ the best of their skills as they print elegantly on the cloth of the loom (ita-inochi). Watch out as EbiraView brings you images of captivating designs on Ebira traditionally woven clothes. Readers' comment

She is a talented, old, seasoned and revered traditional dancer in Ebiraland. She is popularly known as 'ECHU OZOKU' Details coming soon!