Nsukka Journal of Religion and Cultural Studies | Vol 12, No 1 | © 2024 Cyriacus Chijioke Oji, Paulinus Okechukwu Agbo, Augustine Ejiofor Onyishi & J. Kelechi Ugwuanyi | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 25 Feb., 2024 | Published: 06 May 2024
About the author(s)
Cyriacus Chijioke Oji is a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Paulinus Okechukwu Agbo is a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Augustine Ejiofor Onyishi is a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
J. Kelechi Ugwuanyi is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Bonn and a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
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Abstract
Emerging studies on African Religion portray rejuvenation of indigenous beliefs and practices. Extant literature has shown re-enactment and increasing participation in masquerade/masking tradition. Others indicate the revival of indigenous episteme and practices connected to health systems. Drawing upon ethnographic method of observation and interview, this study investigates the influence of the revival of Omabe (masquerade) traditions on tourism development in Nsukka – Igbo communities, southeastern Nigeria. Participants of this study were purposively selected and the primary data collected were interpreted through thematic analysis. As discovered, the increased participation in Omabe festival and the attendant practices by mainly the youth has invigorated tourism and related activities. For over a century, adherents of African Religion were overwhelmed by hegemonic influence and domination from foreign religious elements in ways that made participating in Omabe festival unfashionable. In contrast to this trend, an unprecedented number of spectators from different religious persuasions visit Nsukka during Omabe festivals in recent times. Our findings are consistent with the ways in which revival of local knowledge and practices impact on tourism development in post contact societies.
Keywords
Omabe, festival, revival sustainable development tourism Nsukka