ASPECTS OF IGBO TRADITIONAL DRAMA IN HUNTING: A CASE STUDY OF AGỤLERI AND ANAM

AUTHOR: NNEKE, CHARLES AZỤBỤIKE

DEPARTMENT: IGBO, AFRICAN AND ASIAN STUDIES

AFFILIATION: NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA.

In Igbo literary circles, one may wish to know, in the first place, whether there is an aspect of Igbo traditional hunting occupation that constitutes Igbo traditional literature. This research work not only aspired to answer this question, but also aspired specifically to establish that there are aspects of Igbo traditional dramatic genre generated in the Igbo traditional hunting occupation, using the Agụleri and Anam– Igbo–experience for illustrations, which also formed the population of the study. The purpose of the research is (i) to identify those things that proved that some aspects of Igbo traditional hunting occupation formed part of Igbo traditional literature. (ii) to establish that the genre of the oral literature being generated in Igbo traditional hunting is Igbo traditional drama, for instance for having these qualities- (a) element of imitation/reenactment of life events (b)  sequential dramatic movement or organised plot constituting of the beginning, climax, and the resolution (c) having ritualistic accompaniments (d) use of dramatic arena (the theatre), costume, and song etc (iii) to bring to focus this Igbo oral literary genre not only for record purposes but also for future researches. The study is divided into two –the activities of Igbo traditional hunting occupation and the place of Igbo traditional drama generated by this occupation. The researcher being an old-time initiate and a committed member of the hunters’ association of the area under focus, adopted observation method based on experience gathered over time through personal participation and involvement in their hunting activities. Although the whole information gathered for the work through personal experience in Igbo language, they were translated in English language as presented in this work. Video and photo cameras also helped in the data collection. In the final analysis the research findings revealed that (i) the Igbo dramatic elements or aspects in Igbo traditional hunting occupation are presented in two occasions –dramatic performances during the harvest feast and the funeral rites of a late member. (ii) that these aspects of hunting performance constitute a very strong bond among the hunters. (iii) that this dramatic aspect has a very strong positive implication to the Igbo culture and life, and finally in the way of suggestion, there is the need to keep alive Igbo traditional hunting and the accompanying dramatic performances.

TO VIEW THE FULL CONTENT OF THIS DOCUMENT, PLEASE VISIT THE UNIZIK LIBRARY WEBSITE USING THIS LINK, http://www.naulibrary.org/dglibrary/admin/book_directory/Thesis/10916.pdf