That Ijele originated from old Anambra State in Nigeria many centuries ago is not in doubt. According to UNESCO recent commentary The origin of Ijele according to available Oral story, emanated from Akwunechenyi dance group belonging to Igboezunu Aguleri, Umudiana Village of Ikenga Umueri and Umuatuolu Village of Umueri It was this very group that performed the first "izi egwu ijele"(introduction of the Mask) to other communities . The first Village to be introduced was , subsequently followed by Nsugbe,Nneyi Umueri, Nando, Awkuzu etc. Its pertinent to note that Igboezunu Aguleri was instrumental to introduction of the masquarade to Ivite Aguleri, Igbariamu, Nteje, and some other Villages outside Omabala areas. In recognizing the roles played by Igboezunu Aguleri Umudiana Village of Ikenga Umueri and Umuatuolu Village of Umueri in the Origin of Ijele, the Old Anambra State Government unanimously selected their Ijele Cultural troupe, to represent the State in Festival of Art & Culture known as FESTAC 1977 of which the groups won various Awards & accolades for excellence from the Federal Government in. 1977.
That Ijele originated from old Anambra State in Nigeria many centuries ago is not in doubt. According to UNESCO recent commentary The origin of Ijele according to available Oral story, emanated from Umueri It was this very group that performed the first "izi egwu ijele"(introduction of the Mask) to other communities like Aguleri, Nsugbe, Nando, Awkuzu etc. Its pertinent to note Umuatuolu Umueri was instrumental to the introduction of Okeke masqurades to Igbariamu, Nteje, and some other Villages outside Omabala areas. In recognizing the roles played by Umueri in the Origin of Ijele, the Old Anambra State Government unanimously selected their Ijele Cultural troupe, to represent the State in Festival of Art & Culture known as FESTAC 1977 of which the groups won various Awards & accolades for excellence from the Federal Government in. 1977.
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Akwunechenyi dance group belonging to Igboezunu Aguleri, Umudiana Village of Ikenga Umueri and Umuatuolu Village of Umueri
Umueri
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. The first Village to be introduced was , subsequently followed by Nsugbe,Nneyi Umueri,
like Aguleri, Nsugbe,
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that Igboezunu Aguleri
Umuatuolu Umueri
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introduction of the masquarade to Ivite Aguleri,
the introduction of Okeke masqurades to
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Igboezunu Aguleri Umudiana Village of Ikenga Umueri and Umuatuolu Village of