CREATIVITY AND THE SUPERNATURAL IN THE COSTUME OF AKAKUM PERFORMANCE OF NTO USOH PEOPLE IN AKWA IBOM STATE
Stephen Umoh ¹
Sandra Ekpo 2
Department of Performing Arts, Akwa Ibom State University 1 & 2
Corresponding Email: stephenumoh001@gmail.com 1
Abstract
The controversy over indigenous creativity and the context of spirituality in indigenous masquerades has led to many people, especially the young ones, who should draw from the ancient ingenuity to constantly look at the craft with disdain. This, in a way, encourages extreme detour from fidelity to common codes for social order that laid the foundations of the society as revived in these performances. Using descriptive method premised on symbolic interactionism, this study interrogates the creative and supernatural in the costume design of Akakum Performance of Nto Usoh people in Ika with the intent to investigate the extent to which the ingenuity of the costume designer establishes innovation that authenticates the myth of spirituality surrounding the performance. Findings show that Akakum history is conflicting in terms of origin but the purpose of the performance and supernatural essence are alike. It is the costume designer that shapes the design patterns in colours and shapes to mystify or secularise the performance, and that the introduction of new costumes and adaptable outfit shows creativity, while the presence of the iwuo-afum (head of the wind) as iso-mkpo (shrine/altar), afuud (supernatural talisman), the red tunic and ajei (palm frond)as the main costume of Akakum retain the supernatural in the masquerade. The study concludes that human imagination which is properly directed can benefit humanity and stimulate innovative impulse for newness that can promote the society, thus the seculalisation of Akakum may encourage a wider audience participation and cultural promotion in the contemporary society.
Keywords: Akakum-Performance, Costume, Creativity, Secularisation, Supernatural.
