THREE-DIMENSIONAL TOTEM INSPIRED BY OPRIPA MMAONWU, A PATHFINDER, HARBINGER, MUSICAL HIGH ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEAUTIFICATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i1.2026.7814Keywords:
Opripa, Pathfinder, Revived Mmaonwu, Acting, 3-Dimensional, Representation, Musical, Environmental BeautificationAbstract [English]
The research focused on the Opripa, shaped in a canoe-like paddler form, which inspired the creation of a totem pole, for the appreciation of art. The primary function of the Opripa is to open up the ant hole for a new or old revived mmaonwu spirit, to enter the world of the living through an ant hole, as it is slammed on the earth by those who lead the mmaonwu spirit. The musical group and the prominent role of the Onye oja added pep and attraction to the activity. During the process of the mmaonwu spirits' entry to the world of the living, there were inclinations of political play and gimmickry. The problem of the study is documentation, cultural decay and lack of sustainability. There are already noticeable signs prevalent among youths in continuity, cultural preservation and advancement. Pertinent questions were asked and generated to drive the creative work in the studio. Data obtained from primary and secondary sources were deployed to carry out the study in a narrative historical method. Artworks were created from the data gathered using those questions. The research also focused on replicating and producing the Opripa in a totem form. The paper thought that our cultural values of masquerade activity have depleted because of Western infiltration, greed, selfishness and political tendencies. The research concludes that totems should be identified by the indigenous people and positioned as one of the landmarks and dots for environmental beautification, and a veritable tool in the reconstruction of local history for posterity and relations among and between groups.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ephraim Ugochukwu, Folorunsho David JAYEOLA, Chukwu Ifeanyi Nicholas, Nnodi, Chiaka Adaure, Olusola Samuel, Otuu, Ogobuchi idam, Francisca Anuli Ugwu, Chinatu Regina Obiukwu
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