INTRODUCTION

Origin of Ijaw:
Nigeria is one of the most multicultural country in the world, it has over 250 ethnic group in
which the Ijaw is one of it. They are one of the most Largest ethnic group in Nigeria surpassed
only by Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo, the three major tribes and Some other few Tribes. The Ijaw is
the oldest Ethnic Group in Nigeria, they have lived in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria since
800 BCE, making them the country’s and of the World’s oldest tribe. The IJAW is mainly
located in the Niger Delta which is located at the South-South region of Nigeria which comprises
of the Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, River, Imo, Ondo and Cross River States. The
population statistics of the Ijaw at 2018 is over 4 million, which account for 1.8 percent of
Nigeria’s population. The Izon tribe generally known as The Ijaw and sometimes called IJO are
found in the triangle established by the Nun and Gana-Gana [River Forcados], Also outside it, to
a small extent, both eastward and westward, they are known to be the most important tribe in the
lower Delta, and indeed, after the Ibo, [which are generally known as the Igbo] in the whole of
Southern Nigeria. Many are found as migrant fishermen in camps as far west as Sierra Leone and
as far east as Gabon.
The Ijaw tribe occupied nearly the entire 250-mile stretch of coast between the Yorubas and the
Ibibio, meaning, they live in Niger Delta with the exception of few small tribes. Their language
and customs are different from those of their neighbors, and they have no sign of any mix
tradition. According to history as published by "The Ijaw Nation Forum", the Ijaw people are
named after the Father Ijo ancestor, an Oru ancestor and the son of the Great and Mysterious
King Adumu, also known as Odudu, who established The Theocratic City State confederacy in
Ife in antiquity.
The alternative spelling "IJO" was given to Ijaw by British Colonial Offices in their official
report and documents and a stamp of preference was given to Ijaw by a colonial author named
Amaury Talbot P. In his book titled "TRIBES OF THE NIGER DELTA"
By the end of the colonial era in 1960, the two terms Ijo and Ijaw were thoroughly established,
and throughout the time of independence, official linguistic studies have revealed the origins of
the names' multiple permutations by which the individuals have been named. In the modern
study of language Pioneer by Professor Williamson, she reffered to the language as Ijo or Ijoid in
which She further slip into two, Ijo and Defaka. She identify Ijo as the language spoken by the
majority of the people residing in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Ondo state of Nigeria. Defaka being
the closest to Ijo/Ijoid language is the language of the small Afakani community in Nkoro in
Opobo-Nkoro local government in Rivers State.
Ijo is subdivided into four major groups which are as follows:
1. Eastern j, comprising Kalabari, Okrika, Ibani (Bonny/Opobo), and Nkoro.
2. Nembe-Akassa, comprising Nembe and Akassa.
3. Izon, comprising South-Eastern Izon dialects, North-Western Izon dialects, and South-
Western zn dialects.
4. Inland j, comprising Oruma, Okordia, and Biseni.
The Ijos cannot on be found across Nigeria, but also along the antire West and Central Africa's
Atlantic coasts, in Europe, North and South America, and in the Caribbean or West Indies.

It is important to investigate this widespread presence of j outside of Africa as a result of the

triangular trade across the Atlantic.
Historians have concluded that the ORU migrated in ancient times using the waterways and
rivers connecting the Nile Valley with the inland sea of Lake Chad and the Niger river systems.
This land migration marks the Ijaw as descendants of the ORU, the aboriginal people of West
Africa and the region of Niger/Benue.

History of Ijaw:
The Ijaw people have a rich history, which is deeply rooted in their cultural practices, customs,
and traditions. Historically, the Ijaw people were known for their fishing and trading activities,
which brought them into contact with various European traders and explorers

In the early 20th century, the Ijaw people became involved in the resistance against British
colonial rule, with leaders such as Jaja of Opobo and King Koko of Nembe leading rebellions
against the British. This struggle continued into the post-colonial era, with the Ijaw people
demanding greater control over their natural resources and the development of their
communities.
The Ijaw people are populary known for their distinctive cultural practices, including their
masquerade festivals, music, dance, and cuisine. They have a rich oral tradition, with storytelling
and proverbs playing a significant role in their cultural heritage.
Despite being a major contributor to Nigeria's oil wealth, the Ijaw people continue to face
challenges, including poverty, unemployment, environmental degradation, and political
marginalization. However, they have remained steadfast in their struggle for self-determination
and greater representation in Nigerian politics. In recent years, the Ijaw people have advocated
for the creation of a Niger Delta Republic, which they believe would give them greater control
over their resources and a stronger voice in Nigerian politics.

The Ijaw people have a long history of fishing and trading along the Niger Delta. They were also
known for their skill in boat building and water transportation. In the 16th century, the Ijaw
played an important role in the slave trade, as they acted as intermediaries between European
traders and the various interior tribes of West Africa.

The Colonial Period

During the colonial period, the Ijaw people were subjected to British rule, which led to the
exploitation of their natural resources and the destruction of their traditional way of life. This
period was particularly devastating, as the British sought to extract as much oil and gas from the
Niger Delta as possible, leading to ecological damage and environmental degradation.
In addition to the economic destruction that the British brought, they also imposed a foreign
culture on the Ijaw people, which led to a loss of their cultural identity and values. The Ijaw
people soon found themselves marginalized and oppressed within their own land.

Post-Independence Era
After the independence of Nigeria in 1960, the Ijaw people joined forces with other ethnic
groups to fight for greater autonomy, human rights, and resource control. However, their efforts
were met with harsh repression from the Nigerian government, which used military force to put
down any perceived threat to national unity.
Despite this repression, the Ijaw people have continued to fight for their rights and to preserve
their cultural identity. They have organized themselves into various groups, such as the Ijaw
National Congress, which seeks to promote their political and economic interests.

Geography and Environment of the Ijaw

The Ijaw tribe mainly inhabits the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, which is known for its fertile
land and rich natural resources. The region has a tropical climate, characterized by high
temperatures and frequent rainfall. The Niger Delta region is home to a diverse range of flora
and fauna, including mangrove forests, swamps, and wetlands.

Political Systems
One of the biggest ethnic groups in Nigeria is the Ijaw, who have a distinctive political structure
based on a system of clans.
The clans are divided up into different kingdoms, each of which is ruled by a traditional
monarchy known as a "king" or "paramount ruler." Due to their leadership and advocacy for
their own kingdoms, these traditional kings and queens are essential to the Ijaw people's political
system.

Ijaw representation within the Nigerian government has long been problematic despite their
sizable population and political organization. There have been numerous confrontations and
tensions between the Ijaw and the Nigerian government as a result of their frequent
marginalization and exclusion from decision-making processes.
One such conflict arose in the late 1990s, when a group of Ijaw activists formed the Movement
for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to protest against the exploitation of the Niger
Delta region by international oil companies. This led to a series of violent clashes between
MEND and the Nigerian military, resulting in significant casualties and damage to infrastructure.

In recent years, there have been efforts to address some of the underlying issues causing conflicts
within the Ijaw tribe, including through the establishment of the Niger Delta Development
Commission (NDDC) and the creation of a Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. These initiatives
have focused on promoting economic development, reducing poverty, and improving
infrastructure in the Niger Delta region, which is home t
o many Ijaw communities.

Overall, the political history of the Ijaw tribe has been characterized by a combination of
traditional leadership structures and ongoing struggles for representation and recognition within
the Nigerian government. However, efforts to address some of these issues are ongoing, and
there is hope that the Ijaw people will continue to make progress towards greater political
inclusion and social justice.

Economic Activities

The Ijaw people have a rich history of entrepreneurship and trade. The tribe's traditional
occupations include fishing, farming, and trading. The region is rich in natural resources such as
oil, gas, and timber. The Ijaw region has become a hub for modern industries, and the tribe has
benefited from the opportunities that these industries bring.

Educational Activity and History In the IJAW

Ijaw People are one of the tribe in Nigeria with a rich history of educational activities. The Ijaw
people have valued education for many years, and there is evidence of this in their history.
In the pre-colonial era, the Ijaw people placed great emphasis on education and were renowned
for their ability to read and write. They followed a curriculum that included reading, writing,
mathematics, religious studies, and traditional knowledge.

During the colonial era, the British established primary and secondary schools in Ijaw land,
which allowed more Ijaw people to access formal education. However, many Ijaw people
believed these schools did not adequately address their cultural and developmental needs, so they
began to establish their own schools.
In the post-independence era, the government of Nigeria established more schools in Ijaw land,
including universities. Today, there are a number of institutions of higher learning in Ijaw land,
including the Niger Delta University in Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, the Federal University
Otuoke, Bayelsa State, and the Bayelsa Medical University.

Apart from formal education, there are also a number of cultural and traditional activities that are
geared towards the education and development of the Ijaw people. Examples include the annual
Ijaw national day celebration and the Ijaw language preservation initiative.

Health History In Ijaw

The Ijaw people, like any other ethnic group, have had their fair share of health issues and
challenges over the years. Some of these health issues have been experienced throughout the
Niger Delta region where the Ijaw people reside. Health issues in the Ijaw community are often
linked to a lack of basic infrastructure in the region, including access to clean water, poor
sanitation facilities, and inadequate healthcare facilities.

Some of the common health issues in the Ijaw community include malaria, cholera, typhoid
fever, and other waterborne diseases. There have also been cases of river blindness, tuberculosis,
and HIV/AIDS across the region.

However, in recent years, the Nigerian government and international organizations have
collaborated to address some of these health challenges through the provision of healthcare
facilities, vaccination programs, and malaria prevention initiatives.

Despite these efforts, however, there is still a need for continued investment in the health sector
to improve the overall wellbeing of the Ijaw people and other communities in the Niger Delta
region.
IJAW CUSTOMS
Definition of custom:
A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a
particular society, place, or time and so on.
The Ijaw people have a rich cultural heritage, and their customs and traditions play a significant
role in shaping their social, religious, and political systems. Here is a full explanation of some
aspects of Ijaw customs:

Kinship System of Ijaw

The Ijaw people have a strong kinship system that forms the basis of their social structure. They
trace their lineage through their fathers and belong to patrilineal clans. Each clan is further
divided into smaller units called "houses" or "families." Kinship ties are highly valued and
influence social interactions, marriage arrangements, and inheritance patterns.

The Ijaw people have a complex kinship system that is based on both patrilineal and matrilineal
descent. In general, the Ijaw people trace their ancestry through both their father's and mother's
lineages, and there are different sets of rules for determining kinship and inheritance depending
on which side of the family a person belongs to.
On the patrilineal side, the Ijaw people follow a system of inheritance where property and other
assets are passed down from fathers to their sons. The eldest son is typically given the greatest
share of the inheritance, although other sons may also receive a portion. In some cases, daughters
may also inherit property from their fathers.
On the matrilineal side, the Ijaw people follow a system of inheritance where property and other
assets are passed down from mothers to their daughters. The eldest daughter is typically given
the greatest share of the inheritance, although other daughters may also receive a portion. In
some cases, sons may also inherit property from their mothers.
Overall, the Ijaw kinship system is very complex and varies depending on the specific
community and family involved. However, it is generally based on a combination of patrilineal
and matrilineal descent, with different rules for inheritance and kinship depending on the gender
and lineage of the individual in question.

Wedding Ceremony:
Traditional Ijaw marriages involve various customs and rituals. The process typically begins
with the potential groom's family sending emissaries to the bride's family to express their
interest. Negotiations regarding the bride price, known as "dowry," follow. The dowry can be
paid in cash, livestock, or other valuable items. The marriage ceremony itself involves rituals,
including the pouring of libations, the exchange of vows, and the breaking of kola nuts to
symbolize the couple's union.
 Nigeria as a country is very diverse with many ethnic groups and a large number of
people with different cultural practices and beliefs. The Ijaw Tribe is the fourth largest ethnic
group in Nigeria with a beautiful cultural heritage. A major part of this culture is their wedding
ceremony and the Ijaw traditional wedding list determines it all.
The first step after the agreement is the introduction ceremony also known in the Ijaw
language as ‘Ware ogiga obolo’ which simply means ‘to knock’. This ceremony is meant for
both families to get to know each other. The groom’s family together with the elders from his
community visits the bride’s family and makes their intentions of marrying their daughter
known. They are supposed to come with gin and beverages and if they are not Ijaw they are
expected to bring Kola nuts
During this ceremony, the date of the traditional marriage is then decided and the groom
is provided with a list of things to bring on the day of the event. Unlike other ethnical Traditional
lists that contain food items., this list doesn’t contain anything apart from salt.
The Ijaw traditional wedding list includes:
1. Money of bride’s waist
2. Tobacco
3. Money for brothers
4. Twenty liters of gin
5. Box of clothes
6. Lantern, mortar and pestle
7. Attire for the parents of the bride
8. Money for the parent of the bride
9. Money for maidens
10. A canoe and fishing nets

The Ijaw traditional ceremony is the main activity and the one everyone looks forward to
because it is the official date the man and woman becomes husband and wife. This
ceremony takes place in the house of the bride, the family of both parties comes together
to celebrate the colorful event.

Some slight differences exist here and there in the marriage process, but generally the
following are the basic procedure in Ijaw:

Biyanwuru:
This is a bottle of gin presented to the father by intermediaries before the start of
negotiation of the marriage.
Egberigba wuru:
This is the bottle of gin and a specified sum of money presented to the father or the
spokesman to introduce the elopement of his daughter with a husband. Usually the intermediaries
are given time to return at a later date for feedback (response) by the father.
Bibirin Okuba:
This is another bottle of gin and a sum of money for the father’s approval of the marriage.
Shihikunmo:
 One bottle of gin and a said amount usually taken which is offered to formally inform the
father-in-law’s family and request them to remain at home on an appointed date for the payment
of the bridal price.
Wari benite:
This is interpreted to mean the family is now assembled for the bridal negotiation.
Wo fiyete:
This means to open the negotiation offer of one bottle to drink (usually alcoholic liquor)
and yet another token.
Fhitibi:
This is interpreted to mean the actual bride price, usually accompanied with five or six
bottles of gin.

Yinghin okhuba:
This is a certain amount given to the mother-in-law (mother of the bride)

This means entertainment of the strangers. Here the couple and the groom’s family no
visit to the father-in-law are fed lavishly and presented with a bottle of drink.

At this stage the couple are presented formally to members of the public present at the event,
leading to the usual dance to traditional music, even as the public will be treated with some Ijaw
delicacies

Naming Ceremony
The birth of the child & Naming ceremony:
In pre-modern African culture, the birth of a child is always welcomed with jubilation. Indeed,
child birth is considered as an important and significant in any family. Elderly women (Mid
wives) of the family are usually in charge of child birth and delivery and the procedure is usually
cumbersome and uncomfortable before the modern method of childbirth.
Medication is rarely prescribed and used during pregnancy and most pregnant women continue
their usual day-to-day work activities.
They go into labour, secluded in a room with their husband’s mother, his aunt and the midwife.
When it is time for delivery, the midwife is called to take over the birth process and during this
process the midwife determines the time the baby will be delivered and if there would be any
complications during the delivery process. Unsuccessful births recorded in historical sources are
few in number.
By tradition men are not allowed into the labour neither were they permitted to view the wife’s
naked body while she is in labour. Suspected witchcraft is not allowed.
After delivery, the child is being given to the husband’s mother, who performs a ritual before the
child is being exposed outside the household because evil spirit is believed to be present during
labour. The mother in law appeases them with a libation after the child’s birth.
Also after the child’s birth, the father is expected to make a feast to all members of the family
and clan.
The child’s mother remains secluded usually for seven to nine days after birth, during this time
she is forbidden from any food containing salt, palm oil and pepper but only food like corn meal,
special herbs and fruits.
According to an historical source, death from labour is quite rare and if the pregnancy is
complicated, they sometimes seek the help of an herbalist or native doctor to ease the process.
Among the Ijaw people of south-east Nigeria, Children being born by mothers who experienced
severe pains during the birth process are usually throw in to a river or pond with the hope of
ensuring that no misfortune is being brought upon the village, if the child surfaces, he or she is
being retrieved and brought back to the village but if this does not happen the child will be left to
drown and die.
These practices and customs were later abolished as civilization took over them.
They breast feed their child for about three years or more and it is the duty of all members of the
family to participate in the upbringing of the child including the elders

Funeral
The Ijaw perform a very complicated and complex burials and funeral ceremonies. The most
elaborate performances are for the chiefs, In the Kalabari, when a chief dies, his family takes his
body to a Place called Oto Kwbu to be washed, The oto Kwbu is a special funeral compound.
This ceremony is done carefully in which a special pot of water and cloths are brought in, both of
which are forbidden to touch the ground. Then the chiefs sisters tie an Okuru around his waist
and his legal wives dress him with special cloths. His Legal sons and brothers carry the corpse to
a bed in a room called "Wari Kubu", A room containing the shrines of his ancestors. His Friends
and other family members show respect to the ancestors by wailing and playing drums to signal
to the them that he will soon join them. Then his legal wives sit around his body, in order of
rank, holding a broken knife blade each. The legal daughters and sisters sit, in age order, in two
columns on either side of him. Other chiefs come bearing gifts and the funeral cermony hold till
dawn, Along, Is a drama, In which The first widow that first Wife and her children give a Kala
Ekkpe, A funeral play in which they sing and beat drums, in praise of the chief. During this play
each wife is confined to a small room. She must paint her face and body with black dye and
camwood in her solitude. Each wife is given three meals a day, and relatives visit each wife to
whom the wife sings a short song which she has made up in praise of the chief. The Widows and
close female relatives must wear The Okuru cloth (Mourning dress) and then white baft while
distant female relatives must wear white, and men wear blue baft for ten months. Both women
and men shave their heads, but the widows are not allowed to cut or cover their heads for ten
months. This mourning is followed by a pilgrimage to Aro Chuko, where the chief is to be
buried. Outstanding clothes, ornaments, beads, plates, knives, tobacco, and gin are buried with
him along with a native pot which is placed above the ground. There is no food buried with him
because that is offered every eight days (on the "Fene Bene"). The women are forbidden to shed
tear or sob so that they allow the spirit to leave this life peacefully. If a woman does cry, she
must sacrifice a goat or fowl at the feet of the corpse, in order to purify the stain of her tears.
Once again cannons are fired to announce to the ghost world that the chief is arriving.
Ten months after the burial, another ceremony known as Kopinai begins. This is a great
feast with a variety of foods and drink. A member of each tribe must wear European dress and
speak only English. This is to show that the chief, by this time, is "so great as even to dine with
white men in the ghost world." As soon as the family can afford it (often months or years later),
they give a play for the chief ("Peri") and then a parade of war canoes. For the parade, a member
of the Poika family makes a carved image of the chief which the cheif's family receives in
confidentiality. After the image is been received and kept by the family for four days and the
water parade has returned The family stages a battle which they, of course, win and show the
image as part of their victory. The image is then placed in a shrine known as Arua, containing
images of the ancestors, Nduen Fobara and another feast is given for the mock return of the
image. At each of these ceremonies, the family and friends offer gifts to market people and
sacrifices to the place at which sinners were slain.
When an old, free woman dies, she is buried with a dance and feast, similar to that of a
chief. However, no head dresses are allowed at a burial of a woman. These are special only to
men.
When a younger, free woman dies, her family may give a funeral play in her honor, but
this is expensive and therefore limited to the wealthy. Because she was not a slave, she is buried
at her family's house, not her husband's. When a younger man dies, cannons are shot to signal his
death on the eve of the death, the following morning, after the burial, at the families return to the
house, the following afternoon, and then twice a day for the next six days.
When a person dies a "bad death", the body is secretly thrown away with no burial at all.
"Bad deaths" include those of women who die in childbirth (twin mothers are especially
shameful), men with corroding skin, very old people whose children have died first, suicides, and
those who die on the day when a sacred play ("Owo") is given.

Ijaw traditional Religon and Beliefs

They have a rich cultural heritage and unique traditional religion and belief practices.
The Ijaw people believe in a supreme being known as TAMUNO or Tamunotonye. They also
believe in various lesser deities or spirits known as Egbesu, Oweikuro, and Izonfuo. These spirits
are believed to have the power to influence the lives of individuals and communities.
The Ijaw people also practice ancestor worship, believing that their ancestors have the power to
protect and guide them. They hold annual festivals and ceremonies to honor their ancestors and
seek their blessings.
Additionally, the Ijaw people believe in the power of divination and use various methods to
communicate with the spirit world. They also have traditional healers and medicine men who use
natural remedies and spiritual practices to heal illnesses and ailments.
Overall, the traditional religion and belief practices of the Ijaw people are deeply rooted in their
culture and history. Despite the influence of Christianity and Islam in the region, many Ijaw
people still hold on to their traditional beliefs and practices.

Ijaw Traditional Festivals and Ceremonies

The Ijaw people are one of the indigenous tribes in Nigeria, with a rich and cultural heritage.
They are known for their unique festivals and ceremonies, which are celebrated annually in
various parts of the country. These celebrations are an important part of the tribe's culture, and
they reflect the people's beliefs, values, and way of life.
The ijaw are known to have countless of festival celebrate includes the Ijaw day celebration, izon
day celebration, kula-okun festival, odi-ogor fevestial, egwuocha festival, The iria Ceremony,
Amaseikumor Festival and so on.
Ijaw Day Celebration
The Ijaw Day Celebration is an annual event that takes place on the 28th of May. This day is set
aside to celebrate the Ijaw people's independence and contributions to Nigeria. The event is
marked with cultural displays, parades, traditional dances, and speeches by prominent Ijaw
leaders.

Izon Day Celebration

This is another significant celebration in Ijaw culture, which takes place on October 1st. The
event is marked with various cultural displays, showcasing the richness and diversity of the Ijaw
culture. The celebration is often accompanied by food, music, and dance, with prominent Ijaw
leaders delivering speeches to the congregation.

Kala-Okun Festival
The Kala-Okun festival is a traditional event that takes place in the Delta State of Nigeria. It is an
annual event that is celebrated in honor of the Ijaw people's deity, known as Kala-Okun. The
festival is marked with traditional dances, boat racing, wrestling, and other cultural displays.

Odi-Ogor Festival
The Odi-Ogor festival is another significant event in Ijaw culture, which takes place in the
Bayelsa State of Nigeria. The festival is celebrated annually in honor of the Ijaw people's
ancestors. The event is marked with various cultural displays, including traditional dances,
masquerades, and wrestling.

Egwuocha Festival
The Egwuocha festival is an ancient celebration that is observed by the Ijaw people in the Rivers
State of Nigeria. The festival is marked with various cultural displays, such as traditional dances,
music, and feasting. The event is believed to have originated from the Ijaw people's ancestors,
who used to celebrate it as a way of thanking the gods for their bountiful harvest.
In conclusions, The festivals and ceremonies of the Ijaw people are a vital part of their
cultural heritage, reflecting the tribe's beliefs, values, and way of life. These celebrations provide
an opportunity for the Ijaw people to showcase their rich and diverse culture to the world,
keeping their traditions and cultural norms alive.

The Iria Ceremony

The Iria ceremony, also known as the "Fattening Room Ceremony," is it an important cultural
celebration in the Ijaw tribe of Nigeria. It is a ritual that marks the transition of young girls into
womanhood After The After the Arrival of her first menstrual Cycles.

During the Iria ceremony, eligible young girls are taken away from their homes to the "fattening
room," where they are bathed several times a day, given massages, and given a diet of high-
protein foods to fatten them up. The girls are kept in the fattening room for a period of three
months or more, depending on their age and physical development.
At the end of the period, a grand ceremony is held to celebrate the girls' transition into
womanhood. The girls are beautifully dressed in traditional attires, and they dance and sing to
traditional songs. The ceremony is attended by family members, friends, and villagers, and it is
an occasion for the community to come together and celebrate.

The Iria ceremony is an ancient tradition that has been passed down through generations in the
Ijaw tribe till date. The ceremony also serves as a way for the community to uphold cultural
values and traditions.

The Amaseikumor Festival

The Amaseikumor Festival is a cultural festival celebrated by the Ijaw people of Nigeria. The
festival is a actively colorful event that celebrates the end of a successful fishing season, and is
usually marked by traditional dances, music, and feasting.
The Amaseikumor Festival is an ancient festival celebrated annually by the Ijaw people in the
Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The festival is held to celebrate the abundance of water, which is
revered as a symbol of purity, fertility, and life.

According to oral tradition, the Amaseikumor festival dates back over a thousand years. It is said
to have been initiated by the first Ijaw king who had a vision of the goddess of water,
Amaseikumor. The goddess was said to have instructed him to institute a festival to honor her.
Since then, the Amaseikumor festival has remained an important cultural event among the Ijaw
people.
During the festival, both men and women wear traditional clothing. The men often wear a
wrapper (a piece of cloth wrapped around the waist to form a skirt) along with a shirt, while the
women wear a dress or a blouse and wrapper. The clothing is typically made from vibrant,
colorful Ankara or Hollandaise fabrics.
A wide variety of traditional foods are served during the Amaseikumor festival. These include
seafood, yam, plantains, rice, beans, and vegetables. Many of the dishes are prepared with palm
oil, which is a staple ingredient in Ijaw cuisine. Beverages such as palm wine, locally brewed
beer, and soft drinks are also available.
The Amaseikumor festival is marked by several activities such as traditional dances, music, and
performances. Additionally, there are boat regattas, canoe races, and swimming competitions in
the rivers and creeks. There are also storytelling sessions, where elders share stories and legends
with the younger generation.
Overall, the Amaseikumor festival is a celebration of Ijaw culture, identity, and history. It is an
opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy traditional food and drink, and engage in
activities that have been passed down through generations.

Art and Craftsmanship

 The Ijaw people are renowned for their artistic skills, particularly in woodcarving, pottery,
weaving, and beadwork. They create intricate designs and patterns on various objects, such as
masks, drums, canoes, and jewelry. These artworks often carry symbolic meanings and are used
during festivals
They are also popularly known for their unique artistic and craftsmanship skills. The Ijaw
people, who are mostly fishermen and farmers, have built a thriving economy through the
production and sale of their artistic creations.

Ijaw art is distinguished by its expressive use of materials, which include wood, bronze, ivory,
and other metals. The art ranges from sculpture to painting, weaving, carving, and decorating of
objects like masks, jewelry, and vessels. The Ijaw craftsmen are known for their intricate designs
and patterns, which are often inspired by nature and their rich cultural heritage.

One of the most significant art forms of the Ijaw people is wood carving. They produce highly
detailed figures of animals and humans, which are often used in religious practices and
ceremonies. The wood carvings are known as Isenbiri and are often decorated with intricate
patterns and designs. In addition to wood carving, the Ijaw people also excel in the production of
bronze sculptures. The sculptures feature abstract designs that are often used to convey
philosophical ideas and beliefs.

Apart from woodcarving and bronze sculpture, the Ijaw's artistic expression is seen through
weaving and fabric design. They produce intricately woven textiles adorned with striking
patterns and colors. The materials used by the Ijaw people for making these textiles include silk,
cotton, and wool.

The Ijaw people have also mastered the art of beadwork. Beads are used to decorate clothing,
jewelry, and other objects. They produce beaded necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, which are
often used to symbolize wealth, status, or cultural identity.

The Ijaw people have a rich history of artistic and craftsmanship skills that have been passed
down through generations. Their art and craft celebrate their cultural identity, spiritual practices,
and the natural environment. These skills have been an essential part of the Ijaw economy and
have continued to inspire new artistic talents and expressions.

Fishing and Agriculture:

Fishing and farming are essential economic activities among the Ijaw people. They are known
for their expertise in fishing, using canoes and traditional fishing gear. Agriculture includes the
cultivation of crops like yam, cassava, plantain, and palm produce. The rivers and creeks of the
Niger Delta provide abundant resources for sustenance and livelihoods.

SYMBOLS

The Ijaw tribe is known for their rich cultural heritage and also for their symbols, greeting styles,
and body marks.
The Ijaw nation has a variety of symbols that include birds, animals, and other objects like
canoes, knives, and swords. These symbols represent their cultural heritage, beliefs, and
traditions.

• Greeting Styles:
The Ijaw people have a unique way of greeting each other. They perform a hand gesture where
they stretch out their right hand with the thumb pointing up and then clasp the right hand of the
other person, while also making a sound by sucking the air through their teeth. This gesture is
accompanied by a phrase "Owo-nyenikumo", which means "thank you for coming".

•Body Marks:
The Ijaw people are known for their distinct body marks, which are mostly scars. These scars are
made on the face, chest, back, and arms and are usually for identification purposes. The scars are
also a sign of bravery, strength, and beauty.

They have several cultural and traditional symbols that hold significant meanings to them and
are extremely cherished, this Symbols includes:

•The Okumbe: This is a musical instrument made from the shell of a tortoise and is used by the
Ijaw people during ceremonies and festivals.

• The Ekine: This is a wooden instrument that is shaped like a keyhole and is used to
communicate messages during traditional ceremonies.

•The Oma: This is a carved wooden figure that represents the spirit of the ancestors and is used
in Ijaw rituals.

•The Kpokpo: This is a traditional Ijaw hat that is made from raffia fibers and is worn during
many traditional ceremonies and events.

•The Kanbiri: This is a beaded necklace worn by Ijaw women. It is believed to hold symbolic
power and protect the wearer from evil.

•The Oweikorogha: This is a traditional Ijaw dance that is performed during festivals and
celebrations. It involves energetic movements and drumming.

•The Akinipupo: This is a traditional Ijaw wrestling sport that is used to settle disputes and is
also performed during festivals.

In summary, The Ijaw has a history that spans many centuries and has been marked by their
struggles for political representation and resource control.
One of the most significant aspects of Ijaw culture is their artistic and craftsmanship skills, which
are passed down from generation to generation. Their artistic creations are a reflection of their
history, beliefs, and way of life, and are an important part of their cultural identity.