Kirikese is predorminantly clusters of Island settlements, Okrika where Iria is celebrated is amphibious as access is through river and sea
From September every year, the towncrier sounds notification of preparation for the event for those under the prescribed protocols for participation.
On the ticket day, the Iria maiden wil wear” Burumo” a black substance mixed with water which would require a traditional artist to draw specific designs on her body.”Awu” one of the colourful dyes that symbolises Iria, is used on her hair.Ticket taking is the qualification for adulthood and marriage.
Under the ticket taking,a professional photographer and video man are hired by the traditional ruler and chiefs to take photos of all the girls participating in the Iria, the girls’ families are also at liberty to arrange their own media men.,then a drum beat that would welcome the war canoe house of the participant, and rhyme with her dance steps would follow to cheer her to rise and go for the certificate (ticket).On the ticket is name of the Iria girl, the”Biri’she comes from , the ticket certifies her participation in the contest.
Trophy is given to the best performing maiden.the choice of winner is strictly based on dance patterns, good conduct, plumpness, beauty,and standing breasts as well as ability to answer questions correctly.
Before the ” Amanyanabo”- King and the”Alapu”. chiefs, the”Iriabo”- maiden would be asked critical questions that border on Iria.Questions such as Why did you like Iria? What lessons would you impact on your fellow girls and younger generations of Okrikans would possibly occupy the pool of questions .
Burumo toru diki/Warinama
After a week of ticket taking, the next stage is Burumotorudiki popularly known as Warinama..At this stage, the “Iriabo”s family is expected to mount canopies at the “Ele Ogbo” market square to make room for decoration of her photos taken which will be hung on the wrappers used for decoration of the room.
The Iriabo is dressed by professional dressers usually two women who will tie her “Ogbudu”.. Ogbudu is a selection of different wrappers mainly “Ikpo’ a hard fabric,and”Feni” along with marine ropes which are fixed in segments cyclically on the maiden’s waist until the Ogbudu reaches appreciable level.To make an Ogbudu, about 30 to 40 pieces of wrappers are needed though this differ in women and relies on what the woman can cope with. Before the Ogbudu, the Iriabo will wear a twin set of golden iron rings “Nkpala” on her ankles supported by white piece of cloth comfortable enough to block any pain or injuries that would arise from the lower part of the rings..
The Burumotorudiki is about showcasing the beauty of the Iriabo and her dance steps.it is a spectator delight.natives, foreigners alike gather to witness the rich culture. The” Iriabos” that is ,all participating maidens will dance as if in the manner of a match past or carnival, to “Biri”s close to the market square and some cases dance with friendly masquerades like “Nkoro”who is adorned in anklets that rhyme with any drum beat when it dances.
A little girl just like a little bride called “Fongo” Iriabo” acompanies the Iriabo from the first day of activity except the ticket taking where the Iriabo is excorted by her aunt who will present her to the chiefs and also answer questions.. The child dresses in same fashion as the” Iriabo”.
“Edellla”
One week after, the Iria performer, will appear with the same Ogbudu and her train to the communities around the market square that she was unable to dance through before dancing to the Eleogbo.this time she will wear “Edellla” a nut that is similar to Hausa groundnut. which is grounded and mixed with palmwine and lime to form a paste before the local artist will draw it on the body of the Iriabo.To achieve Edellla design, the artist use the leg of a chicken “Willie willie”, basket or mosquito coil for design.The Iriabo can also wear a short bidded blouse and wear a bidded crown on her hair.
The Iriabo at this stage will still be required to keep up the tradition of going to the riverside to refresh and after bathing in salt water,apply baby oil on her body to exhibit the designs of the Edellla.
Edellla marks can last up to one or more years after the celebration.the family will continue to provide the foods that make the Iriabo look well fed and happy., fishes like dry “Sika”- Stingray,”Agbara”- Red Snapper,”Doro”-Baracuda,”Atabala”Tilapia “and “Gbulu”,’Deke” of the Mullet family in addition to other sea foods swallows like “Garri ” “fufu,” pounded Yam and Onunu are always in full supply. On the last day of the dance performed at the market square, friends of the family who were yet to appreciate the Iriabo in cash and kind could go to her house and do so after the show which usually runs into late evening.
Writer/Researcher
Boma Nwuke.
Archives
Daniel Fubara Wakama
Gift Tamunotonye2018 participant.
