OVALA Ritual Festival Among The Igbo In Traditional Religion

In this ground-breaking work, the recognition of abiding power and plangency of African Traditional Religion (ATR) is very eloquently demonstrated through the mediation of the ritual Ovala festival of the Igbo people using Aguleri Kingdom as a case study. In ritual festival like the Ovala in Aguleri cosmology, music and dance occupy important position in worship in Igbo Religion. Without these the efficacy of the people's worship are reduced to nothing. The significance of music and dance in the ritual festival cannot be underestimated in the worship among the Aguleri people. Through the mediation of music and dance the devotees always believe that their worship is acceptable and their prayers answered. Music and dance also boost people's health and give them the opportunity to serve the Supreme Being better. A lot of mysteries are revealed through music, which encourages the devotees to hold on to the divinities. When the musical instruments are played and danced to, it brings spiritual inspiration and relief to man. The origin of music and dance is a mystery, but their importance cannot be over emphasized in Religious circle.

Autorentext

Dr. F. C. Madukasi had his PhD at University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and majored in African Traditional Religion. He is a Lecturer at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus Nigeria under Religion & Society Department. He has written series of articles published in reputable international and local journals.