Hello ndale-ga,
I researched your question by identifying academic programs that deal
with Nigerian languages and art. I then sent e-mail to the instructors
I found. Here is the response I got from a professor at the University
of Wisconsin-Madison.
http://hum.lss.wisc.edu/hjdrewal/ARTHISTORY479.htm
=============================================================
Dear czh,
The word "Igunu", sometimes "Igunuko", is a Yorubanized version of the
Nupe "Ndakogboya" which refers to a masquerade type often performed
for a variety of reasons including but not limited to honoring
departed Nupe ancestors and the punishment of miscreants or antisocial
behavior in the society.
NB
Yoruba are one of the most dominant ethnic groups in Nigeria. The
Yoruba are in southwestern Nigeria, while the Igbo are to the
southeast. The Nupe are neighbors of the Yoruba to the northwest.
Igunu is therefore a masquerade performance found in the Nupe
immigrant communities of Yorubaland, particularly in Lagos and its
suburbs.
All best wishes.
Bolaji Campbell, Ph.D.
=================================================================
This painting is a lovely illustration of the “masquerade performace.”
http://www.afrikanarts.com/drawingpgs/photo17.htm
I hope this meets your needs.
czh
SEARCH STRATEGY
nigerian names
Igunu |
Request for Answer Clarification by
ndale-ga
on
30 Dec 2002 10:18 PST
Hello CZH,
Thank you for the comprehensive answer. And, yes, I've seen that
painting before, but also appreciate your referring me to it again.
Last week I had occasion to meet a man from Nigeria and he confirmed
my belief that Igunu is an Igbo word. I mentioned the name to him and
he said immediately, "Oh! That's Igbo."
Of course, he might not be correct. Is there some way for you to
double check the origin of the name and then, if it turns out that it
is Igbo, could you double check the meaning? Thanks very much for your
help.
ndale-ga
|
Clarification of Answer by
czh-ga
on
30 Dec 2002 11:58 PST
Hello again,
I believe that the professor who answered my question would be happy
to continue the conversation with you. BOLAJI CAMPBELL
[bolajicampbell@hotmail.com] I'm also still waiting for answers from a
couple of other university professors. It may take a little while
since most colleges are on winter break. I'll keep you posted as I get
additional feedback.
czh
|
Clarification of Answer by
czh-ga
on
11 Jan 2003 03:52 PST
Hello again,
I got this answer from another professor for the translation of
<Igunu>. It seems to agree with the first one. I hope this helps.
czh
-----Original Message-----
From: dukwu@lbcc.cc.ca.us [mailto:dukwu@lbcc.cc.ca.us]
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2003 10:27 AM
"Igunu" is a Yoruba word for a special masquerade.
This masquerade does not come out all the time.
It is tall (10-12 ft. tall).
Yoruba is one of the Nigerian tribes.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
Dele Chinwe Ukwu.
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