Ebunanu Dance

One of the hallmarks of Christmas season in Amaigbo is the many festivals celebrated at this season. For the natives, travelling to the village at this time does not only mean visiting their relatives and loved ones and to shower them with gifts in staggering displays of conspicuous consumption; it also is an occasion for them to engage in the many festivals taking place during this season. Of the many cultural festivals celebrated during this season, there is one cultural dance that stands out from the rest and that dance is the Ebunanu cultural dance.

The Ebunanu dance is only celebrated in one village unlike other cultural dances which are celebrated by almost every other village in the community. The Ebunanu dance is solely performed by the Umuduruoha natives, the cultural dance is held every two ‘even’ years - the 26th of December and 1st of January.

One of the highlights of the dance is how the entertainers are adorned; they are all dressed in their cultural costumes. Some of the entertainers wear masks which have a monstrosity look to it, while others wear masks which have a charmingly maternal and endearingly innocent look. The contrasts one would say complement one another and tries to assuage any fears which may be induced by some of the gruesome and monstrosity looking mask.

The variety of dances displayed at this occasion is quite phenomenal, each entertainer is very unique and peculiar in their dance and this keeps the entertainers enthralled and entertained. The Ebunanu dance involves physical movement of the body, with hands gesticulation and feet demonstration. During the performance, the entertainers’ feet prance against the dirt, circulating gusts of dusty powdered soil around their decorated ankles.

The Ebunanu dance is indeed an overwhelming dance, which is somewhat difficult to express in writing. The beauty of the dance is so captivating and mesmerising that spectators find themselves enthralled by the whole event.

It is interesting to note that the Ebunanu dance isn't just about dancing only; it also involves a variety of songs which are sang at the occasion. These songs are sang not only to enthral and entertain spectators, but most importantly, to name and shame natives who have erred. Those who have contravened the customs and traditions of Amaigbo are exposed through these songs. The contravention may range from a menial to a nefarious and atrocious act, still the song provide an atmosphere to highlight what the wrongs are. The songs are intended to serve as a deterrent to others.

It is worth mentioning that the Ebunanu dance is still the only cultural dance in Amaigbo which does not commercialise its festival, it also does not permit spectators to video or take picture at the event. To some, there are fetishes practices involve; to others it is a show off of wealth. Some people say the natives are 'myopic' and fail to generate money through recording of the event. However, it can be argued that the peculiarity and eccentricity of this dance warrants that one visit the occasion whenever it is celebrated rather than watch it on video. Irrespective of whatever view or opinion people may have on the natives’ decision not to commercialise their cultural dance, there is no doubt that the Ebunanu dance is ranked highly today in Amaigbo compared with other cultural dances. This is judged from the turn out at this gallantly marked dance which attracts people in prodigious amount.